Identification of the porcine intestinal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor on sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels by renaturation and immunoblotting

Promoter and 3'-untranslated-region haplotypes in the vitamin d receptor gene predispose to osteoporotic fracture: the rotterdam study

Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) have been shown to be associated with several complex diseases, including osteoporosis, but the mechanisms are unknown and study results have been inconsistent. We therefore determined sequence variation across the major relevant parts of VDR, including construction of linkage disequilibrium blocks and identification of haplotype alleles. We analyzed 15 haplotype-tagging SNPs in relation to 937 clinical fractures recorded in 6,148 elderly whites over a follow-up period of 7.4 years. Haplotype alleles of the 5' 1a/1e, 1b promoter region and of the 3' untranslated region (UTR) were strongly associated with increased fracture risk. For the 16% of subjects who had risk genotypes at both regions, their risk increased 48% for clinical fractures (P = .0002), independent of age, sex, height, weight, and bone mineral density. The population-attributable risk varied between 1% and 12% for each block and was 4% for the combined VDR risk genotypes. Functional analysis of the variants demonstrated 53% lower expression of a reporter construct with the 1e/1a promoter risk haplotype (P = 5 x 10(-7)) in two cell lines and 15% lower mRNA level of VDR expression constructs carrying 3'-UTR risk haplotype 1 in five cell lines (P = 2 x 10(-6)). In a further analysis, we showed 30% increased mRNA decay in an osteoblast cell line for the construct carrying the 3'-UTR risk haplotype (P = .02). This comprehensive candidate-gene analysis demonstrates that the risk allele of multiple VDR polymorphisms results in lower VDR mRNA levels. This could impact the vitamin D signaling efficiency and might contribute to the increased fracture risk we observed for these risk haplotype alleles.

Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human vitamin D receptor promoter change protein–DNA complex formation and are associated with height and vitamin D status in adolescent girls

Numerous association studies have dealt with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding and intronic regions of the human vitamin D receptor (hVDR) gene. We have hypothesized that phenotypic traits may also be associated with variations in VDR expression due to the presence of SNPs in promoter regions. In this work, we have studied two SNPs located 1521 bp (G/C) and 1012 bp (A/G) upstream of the transcriptional start site of the main human VDR gene promoter. One base-change in any of the two variant sites led to a dramatic change in protein-DNA complex formation using nuclear extracts from HEK293, Caco-2 and COS-7 cells. Genetic analysis of 185 healthy adolescent girls evidenced two major haplotypes: 1521G/1012A and 1521C/1012G and three main genotypes: homozygous for 1521G/1012A (21.1%), homozygous for 1521C/1012G (17.3%) and heterozygous 1521CG/1012GA (57.3%). On the basis of transfection data, promoter activity was nearly 2-fold higher with the 1521G/1012A haplotype, when compared with the 1521C/1012G haplotype. Clinical and biological association study in the adolescent cohort showed that girls with a CC/GG genotype had (i) lower circulating levels of 25-dihydroxyvitamin D, with no detectable consequence on calcium metabolism, (ii) lower serum IGF-1 levels and (iii) smaller height from 11 years of age up to adult height.

Synthesis and biological activities of a new series of secosteroids: vitamin D phosphonate hybrids

By a structural combination of phosphonate and bisphosphonate moieties with the vitamin D skeleton a series of new vitamin D analogs was synthesized. Derivatives with 24beta-hydroxy- or 24-keto groups exerted considerable vitamin D activities in vitro while the hypercalcemic potentials were significantly reduced as compared to 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (calcitriol). Whereas the 24-hydroxy analogs did not influence bone formation in vivo in dosages below the hypercalcemic threshold, the 24-ketones were found to induce synthesis of new bone matrix in non-hypercalcemic doses. Vitamin D bisphosphonate hybrids, on the other hand, which did not elicit substantial vitamin D activities in vitro and tend to decrease serum calcium levels in vivo clearly induced osteoid formation in rats, indicating a mechanism of action different to calcitriol.

Immunoreactivity of six monoclonal antibodies directed against 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 receptors in human skin

Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, we tested the suitability of five monoclonal mouse antibodies (IVA7E7, IVB12G12, IVG9C11, VD2F12, and VIIID8C12) that had been raised against different domains of the porcine intestinal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 receptor (VDR), for the immunohistological detection of VDR in human skin. The VDR immunoreactivity of these antibodies was compared with the well-characterized VDR-staining pattern of the mouse monoclonal antibody 9A7gamma raised against chick intestinal VDR. All six antibodies revealed strong nuclear and qualitatively similar immunoreactivity in all cell layers of the viable epidermis. Our data demonstrate that the five mouse monoclonal antibodies are suitable for immunohistochemical detection of VDR in frozen sections. These antibodies show comparable staining patterns in human skin even though they had been raised against different functional domains of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D3 receptor.

The mouse vitamin D receptor is mainly expressed through an Sp1-driven promoter in vivo

The availability of the mouse vitamin D receptor (mVDR) gene has allowed a characterization of a TATA-less promoter containing a cluster of four Sp1 sites named Sp1-1, Sp1-2, Sp1-3, and Sp1-4 (F. Jehan and H. F. DeLuca, 1997, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94, 10138-10143). By means of primer extension analysis, S1 nuclease mapping and ribonuclease protection assay, the start site has been deduced, as has the existence of other minor transcription start sites. Initiation of transcription at the major site is located 4 bp upstream of the 5' end of the mVDR cDNA sequence and very close to the putative Sp1 sites. A second minor promoter might exist between exon 1 and exon 2 of the mVDR gene. The nucleotide sequence of the Sp1 region is well conserved between the mouse, the human, and the chicken VDR genes, suggesting an important role for these Sp1 sites. Gel shift analysis of the four Sp1 sites of the mVDR promoter has confirmed specific binding complexes to Sp1-1, Sp1-2, and Sp1-4 (Sp1-3 rather binds an unknown complex that is unable to bind the canonical Sp1 GGGGCGGGGC). Deletion or mutation of all the Sp1 sites eliminates promoter activity. However, mutation or deletion of individual Sp1 sites did not dramatically change the promoter activity, except for mutation of Sp1-3 that increases promoter activity. We, therefore, conclude that the mVDR promoter is controlled by the Sp1 sites and is the main VDR promoter in intestine and kidney.

Rat stomach ECL-cell histidine decarboxylase activity is suppressed by ergocalciferol but unaffected by parathyroid hormone and calcitonin

The ECL cells are peptide hormone-producing cells, rich in histamine and chromogranin A (CGA)-derived peptides, that operate under the control of gastrin. Gastrin and the ECL cells form a functional unit, the gastrin-ECL-cell axis. The aims of the present study were to examine (1) if calcitonin (CT), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D affect the gastrin-ECL-cell axis (by measuring the activity of the histamine-forming enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), and the expression of HDC mRNA and CGA mRNA in the ECL cells), and (2) if activation of the gastrin-ECL-cell axis affects the parathyroid glands (by measuring plasma PTH and mRNA expression). We also examined the possibility that the oxyntic mucosa harbours vitamin D receptors. Fasted rats received intravenous infusion of PTH and CT with or without gastrin. PTH raised the blood Ca2+ concentration, whereas CT infusion lowered it. Plasma PTH rose in response to CT, while serum gastrin remained unaffected. ECL-cell HDC was activated by gastrin but not by CT and PTH. Five daily subcutaneous injections of large amounts of ergocalciferol raised the blood Ca2+ concentration, while reducing the oxyntic mucosal HDC activity and the expression of HDC and CGA mRNA. The serum gastrin concentration was not affected. The findings are in line with the idea that the gastrin-ECL-cell axis can be suppressed by vitamin D or by vitamin D-dependent mechanisms. Western blot analysis revealed the presence of vitamin D receptor immunoreactivity and reverse transcription PCR detected vitamin D receptor gene expression in the rat oxyntic mucosa. Hypergastrinemia was induced by daily peroral treatment with the H+/K+-ATPase inhibitor, omeprazole, for 2 weeks or by continuous subcutaneous infusion of gastrin for 7 days. Elevated serum gastrin concentration was associated with increased HDC activity and increased HDC and CGA mRNA expression in the oxyntic mucosa. There was no elevation of plasma PTH or PTH mRNA expression in the parathyroid gland.

Current understanding of the molecular actions of vitamin D

The important reactions that occur to the vitamin D molecule and the important reactions involved in the expression of the final active form of vitamin D are reviewed in a critical manner. After an overview of the metabolism of vitamin D to its active form and to its metabolic degradation products, the molecular understanding of the 1alpha-hydroxylation reaction and the 24-hydroxylation reaction of the vitamin D hormone is presented. Furthermore, the role of vitamin D in maintenance of serum calcium is reviewed at the physiological level and at the molecular level whenever possible. Of particular importance is the regulation of the parathyroid gland by the vitamin D hormone. A third section describes the known molecular events involved in the action of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on its target cells. This includes reviewing what is now known concerning the overall mechanism of transcriptional regulation by vitamin D. It describes the vitamin D receptors that have been cloned and identified and describes the coactivators and retinoid X receptors required for the function of vitamin D in its genomic actions. The presence of receptor in previously uncharted target organs of vitamin D action has led to a study of the possible function of vitamin D in these organs. A good example of a new function described for 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is that found in the parathyroid gland. This is also true for the role of vitamin D hormone in skin, the immune system, a possible role in the pancreas, i.e., in the islet cells, and a possible role in female reproduction. This review also raises the intriguing question of whether vitamin D plays an important role in embryonic development, since vitamin D deficiency does not prohibit development, nor does vitamin D receptor knockout. The final section reviews some interesting analogs of the vitamin D hormone and their possible uses. The review ends with possible ideas with regard to future directions of vitamin D drug design.

An enzyme-linked immunoassay for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein

In this paper, we detail an enzyme-linked immunoassay for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor protein. The receptor protein of cell and tissue homogenates is bound between two monoclonal antibodies specific for different epitopes on the receptor protein. The first antibody is bound to the well of an ELISA plate and the second is biotinylated. The receptor-antibody complex is detected with avidin-alkaline phosphatase and rho-nitrophenyl phosphate. The amount of receptor in each sample is determined by comparison with a standard curve made from purified receptor protein. This assay is highly sensitive, measuring as little as 2 fmol of receptor, and has an intra-assay coefficient of variation of 6.6% and an interassay coefficient of variation of 13.8%. The assay can be used to measure the receptor from mammalian and avian species and is independent of the presence of hormone. By eliminating the need for a radio-iodinated monoclonal antibody and incorporating the ease of a plate assay, we have a significantly improved method for measuring the vitamin D receptor protein. This paper also presents Western analysis of the antibodies used to demonstrate that they do not recognize other steroid hormone receptors.

Purification and characterization of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor from human placenta

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the receptor for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25-(OH)2D3], we purified it from nuclear fractions of human placentae.

METHODS

Human placental fractions were concentrated with ammonium sulfate, extracted from hydroxylapatite, and then chromatographed on Sepharcryl S-200 and DEAE-cellulose.

RESULTS

The receptor for [1,25(OH)2D3] was purified approximately 1,500-fold. The molecular weight of the receptor was estimated to be 55 K dalton by gel filtration. The receptor fractions showed a dissociation constant (Kd) of 3.0 x 10(-10) mol/l, and adsorbed to the DNA cellulose column. D3 analogs, estradiol, and progesterone had almost no effect on 1,25(OH)2D3 binding.

CONCLUSION

These properties of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor in human placenta are similar to those of the chicken intestinal 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor.

Identification of the porcine intestinal accessory factor that enables DNA sequence recognition by vitamin D receptor

The nuclear accessory protein in porcine intestinal nuclear extracts that activates the binding of the vitamin D receptor to its vitamin D response elements has been highly purified. It contains a protein that binds 9-cis-[3H]retinoic acid, was detected on immunoblots with an anti-retinoid X receptor (RXR) peptide antibody, and supports the binding of retinoic acid receptor gamma to the retinoic acid receptor beta gene response element. Most important, the two specific complexes formed by porcine nuclear extract with the vitamin D response elements from either the osteocalcin gene or the rat 24-hydroxylase gene are shifted to a larger complex by both an anti-vitamin D receptor antibody and an anti-RXR antibody, leaving no doubt that in vivo the nuclear accessory factor for the vitamin D receptor in the intestine is an RXR protein.

The avian vitamin D receptors: primary structures and their origins

cDNA clones encoding Japanese quail chorioallantoic membrane and chicken kidney 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors were isolated and the total 448-amino acid (aa) sequence was deduced. The sequences of the chicken and quail receptors are identical. The nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the avian receptors are similar but not identical to the reported rat or human receptor sequences. There is a 78% similarity in the nucleotide sequences and 98.5% and 87.5% similarities in the amino acid sequences of the DNA-binding and ligand-binding domains, respectively. Two avian receptor proteins (58 and 60 kDa) arise from a single mRNA transcript by alternate initiation of translation. The avian 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors were produced using a bacterial expression system. Form A receptor was expressed from a cloned cDNA that contains the first translation signal (ATG) and corresponds with the 60-kDa avian receptor protein, and form B receptor was initiated from the third ATG on the same mRNA transcript to give rise to the 58-kDa protein. The cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain is almost conserved among human, rat, and avian receptors. The position of the nine cysteines was conserved in all three sequences. The avian receptor differs in the second zinc finger domain, where a methionine replaces a leucine, a serine replaces an asparagine, and a lysine replaces an arginine at aa 77, 83, and 87, respectively, of the avian sequence. The increased length of the avian receptor results from a 20-aa extension of the N-terminal region. RNA hybridization indicates there is a single mRNA species of approximately 2700 bp for both the chicken and quail receptors compared to 4400 bp for the rat transcript. Surprisingly, the translated avian sequence is larger (448 aa) than the 423-aa rat receptor protein. Therefore, our results confirm that despite the difference in molecular mass between different receptor proteins, there is a similarity in gene organization such that the DNA-binding and hormone-binding domains are positionally conserved from the C terminus.

Vitamin D-influenced gene expression via a ligand-independent, receptor-DNA complex intermediate

A lingering question regarding the regulation of target gene expression by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] has been the delineation of vitamin D receptor (VDR)-DNA binding and transactivation. This report confirms that initial VDR-DNA interaction occurs in a ligand-independent fashion. An electrophoretic mobility-shift analysis demonstrated that VDR, derived from extracts of the small intestines of vitamin D-deficient rats, is capable of binding a vitamin D response element (DRE). Additional mobility-shift studies using either porcine-derived VDR or recombinant rat VDR from insect cells revealed DRE-binding capability in the absence of 1,25-(OH)2D3. The reactions were performed in various salt environments, with the maximum of porcine VDR-DRE and rat VDR-DRE binding detected at 100 mM and 150 mM KCl, respectively. The addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3 to an identical set of reaction mixtures resulted in increased DRE binding with greater affinities exhibited by both VDR types. These two phenomena were confirmed upon examination of an elution profile of VDR bound to DRE-linked Sepharose. When a linear KCl gradient was used for elution without the addition of 1,25-(OH)2D3, the peak of VDR was 205 mM KCl; the presence of exogenous hormone shifted the maximum VDR elution to a position corresponding to 265 mM KCl. Based on these data and previous reports on VDR-mediated transactivation, we propose a model for 1,25-(OH)2D3-influenced target gene expression.

All-trans-retinol is a ligand for the retinoic acid receptors

Competition of all-trans-retinol and all-trans-retinaldehyde with 3H-labeled all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) for binding to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) was examined in human neuroblastoma cell nuclear extracts. All-trans-retinol was 35-fold less potent than all-trans-RA, whereas all-trans-retinaldehyde was 500-fold less active in binding to the nuclear receptors. To confirm that all-trans-retinol binds to RARs, experiments were carried out with RARs alpha, beta, and gamma expressed as bacterial fusion proteins. All-trans-retinol was only 4- to 7-fold less potent than all-trans-RA in binding to all three RAR subtypes. The all-trans-retinol binding observed was not the result of metabolism of retinol to RA or some other active compound during the binding experiment. Retinyl acetate was virtually inactive in competition binding experiments, while very slight activity was observed with 13-cis-RA and all-trans-retinaldehyde. Significant competition occurred with 4-hydroxy-RA and 4-keto-RA, which were 15- to 40-fold less potent than all-trans-RA. The 9-cis isomer of RA was equipotent with all-trans-retinol in these studies. These results suggest that all-trans-retinol cannot be excluded as a physiologically significant ligand for RAR-mediated gene expression.

Investigation on the potential role of the Ah receptor nuclear translocator protein in vitamin D receptor action

The Ah receptor nuclear translocator protein (ARNT) is required for binding of the Ah (dioxin) receptor to the xenobiotic responsive element (XRE), and is a structural component of the XRE-binding form of the Ah receptor. The vitamin D receptor requires an accessory protein for binding to the vitamin D responsive element (VDRE) in the osteocalcin gene. Since the vitamin D receptor has similarities to the Ah receptor, we investigated whether ARNT is also required for vitamin D receptor activity. Two lines of evidence demonstrate that ARNT is not required for vitamin D receptor activity, and therefore does not correspond to the vitamin D receptor accessory protein: i) Antibodies to ARNT have no effect on binding of the vitamin D receptor to the VDRE. ii) c4, a mutant of Hepa-1 cells that is defective in ARNT activity, and in which binding of the Ah receptor to the XRE does not occur, possesses a vitamin D receptor with full activity for binding the VDRE.

Baculovirus-mediated expression of retinoic acid receptor type gamma in cultured insect cells reveals a difference in specific DNA-binding behavior with the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor

The baculovirus genetic expression system has been used to produce murine retinoic acid receptor (RAR) type gamma in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells and Manduca sexta insect larvae. A hydroxyapatite binding assay revealed production levels of 300 pmol of unoccupied receptor per mg of protein in insect cells, whereas levels from infected insect larvae were found to average 100 pmol of RAR gamma per mg of protein. The cytosolic preparation from infected insect cells exhibited an equilibrium dissociation constant of 2.1 nM as determined by a retinoic acid saturation analysis plotted by the method of Scatchard. A polyclonal antibody directed against RAR gamma recognized the recombinant receptor protein as a 54,000-Da species. Electrophoretic mobility shift analyses demonstrated that protein extracts from RAR gamma-producing insect cells or larvae are capable of retinoic acid responsive element binding. This contrasts with the specific DNA-binding behavior of the insect cell-produced vitamin D receptor, which requires the presence of a mammalian-derived nuclear accessory protein. This distinction between RAR gamma and the vitamin D receptor suggests a difference in the molecular requirements by these two receptors for specific binding of their respective DNA response elements.

Identification of a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-response element in the 5'-flanking region of the rat calbindin D-9k gene

The rat calbindin D-9k gene is transcriptionally regulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the intestine. We have examined the 5'-flanking region of this gene and identified a 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-responsive element (DRE) between nucleotides -489 and -445. This element confers 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 responsiveness through its native promoter and the heterologous thymidine kinase promoter, and it contains the sequence GGGTGTCGGAAGCCC, which is homologous to the other previously identified DREs. Incubation of this element with the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor produced a specific protein-DNA complex, which shifted to a higher molecular weight form upon the addition of a monoclonal antibody specific to the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor. Therefore, the 5'-flanking region of the rat calbindin D-9k gene contains a DRE that mediates the enhanced expression of this gene by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in the intestine.

A nuclear protein essential for binding of rat 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor to its response elements

Recombinant 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor from a baculovirus expression system requires a mammalian-derived nuclear accessory protein for binding to a vitamin D response element (DRE). This was established by electrophoretic mobility shift analyses using radiolabeled DNA probes consisting of DREs from two vitamin D-responsive genes. Mammalian nuclear extract was also required for the binding of wild-type porcine vitamin D receptor to a DRE. Surprisingly, the accessory factor-dependent formation of receptor-DRE complex was independent of exogenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. A 59- to 64-kDa accessory protein from porcine intestinal nuclear extract was identified by size-exclusion chromatography. Nuclear extracts from rat liver and kidney contained accessory factor, whereas smaller amounts were detected in heart muscle. Spleen and skeletal muscle contained no detectable accessory factor.

Overproduction of rat 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in insect cells using the baculovirus expression system

The rat 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] receptor has been expressed at elevated levels in Spodoptera frugiperda cells using the baculovirus expression vector system. The recombinant 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor is full-length, binds 1,25-(OH)2D3, and is recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor. Densitometric scanning of Coomassie brilliant blue-stained SDS/polyacrylamide gels indicated a recombinant receptor protein level comprising 5% of the total soluble protein from the insect cells. The hydroxylapatite binding assay revealed average levels of 2 nmol of unoccupied 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor per mg of protein in insect cells at 72 hr after infection with recombinant baculovirus. A measure of total 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor using a ligand-independent, immunoradiometric assay disclosed average levels of 2.3 nmol of receptor per mg of protein produced by these same cells. A monoclonal antibody directed against the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor, and reported to cross-react with this receptor derived from several species, recognized the recombinant rat 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor upon Western analysis. A monoclonal antibody directed specifically against the porcine receptor failed to recognize the recombinant rat 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor protein. The cytosolic preparation of insect cells infected with recombinant baculovirus exhibited an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1 x 10(-11) M as determined by a 1,25-(OH)2D3 saturation analysis plotted by the method of Scatchard. This expression system provides an adequate source from which abundant quantities of 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor can be purified for subsequent x-ray crystallographic analyses.

Differentiation-related regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor mRNA in human leukaemia cells HL-60

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear protein which mediates the physiological actions of its hormone ligand, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). While it appears that the receptor-hormone complex regulates the expression of hormone-dependent genes involved in mineral homeostasis, its role in induction of differentiation of leukaemic cells is less clear. We have studied the expression of the VDR gene in several sublines of HL-60 leukaemic cells with varying responsiveness to 1,25(OH)2D3. Sublines which rapidly differentiated to monocytic forms were shown to contain elevated steady-state levels of VDR mRNA within 1 h of exposure to high concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3. This up-regulation of the expression of VDR was not apparent in sublines in which monocytic differentiation occurred after a delay of several days. Beginning at approximately 3 h after exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3 in most cases, there was a gradual decline in VDR mRNA levels. Measurement of steady-state levels of mRNA for c-myc and c-fos showed that in sublines of HL-60 cells which respond rapidly to 1,25(OH)2D3, elevation of VDR mRNA is evident prior to the changes in proto-oncogene expression. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that a change in VDR gene expression is one of the steps that promote monocytic differentiation.

Endogenous blockade of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-receptor binding in New World primate cells

When assessed by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2-D3)-receptor (VDR) binding analysis or 1,25(OH)2-D3-VDR-directed bioresponsiveness, cultured cells from some New World primates (platyrrhines) demonstrate a variable decrement in VDR when compared with Old World primate (catarrhine) cells. To study this difference in VDR expression among primates, we performed immunoblot analysis of the VDR in cultured dermal fibroblasts from platyrrhines in the genera Pithecia and Aotus and from catarrhines in the genus Presbytis; although a platyrrhine, the owl monkey (Aotus) expresses a VDR of the catarrhine (wild type) phenotype. Despite a 10-fold difference in the content of VDR by ligand binding analysis among cells from the three prototypic primate genera, there was a less than or equal to 10% difference in the steady-state level of 50-kD VDR detected by immunoblot analysis of cellular extracts. We investigated this apparent discrepancy in the content of VDR in immunoblots and ligand binding analyses by mixing VDR-containing nuclear extracts of equivalent protein concentration from the various primates. Coincubation of Pithecia and Aotus fibroblast extracts with Presbytis extract diminished specific 1,25(OH)2-D3 binding in the mix by 90% and 95% respectively. Similar results were obtained by mixing nuclear extracts of the owl monkey cell line, OMK, and the vitamin D resistant marmoset B-lymphoblast cell line B95-8. A wild type 1,25(OH)2-D3-binding profile was restored in mixtures after trypsin or heat treatment of the B95-8 extract. These data indicate that some New World primate cells contain a soluble protein that prevents intracellular 1,25(OH)2-D3-VDR binding. It is possible that the quantitative differences in the expression of this protein are responsible for 1,25(OH)2-D3 and other steroid hormone resistant states of variable severity in New World primates.

Steroid hormone receptors

In the three decades since the original discovery of receptors for steroid hormones, much has been learned about the biochemical processes by which these regulatory agents exert their effects in target tissues. The intracellular receptor proteins are potential transcription factors, needed for optimal gene expression in hormone-dependent cells. They are present in an inactive form until association with the hormone converts them to a functional state that can react with target genes. Transformation of the receptor protein to the nuclear binding form appears to involve the removal of both macromolecular and micromolecular factors that act to keep the receptor form reacting with DNA. Much of the native receptor is present in the nucleus, loosely bound and readily extractable, but for some and possibly all steroid hormones, some receptor is in the cytoplasm, perhaps in equilibrium with a nuclear pool. Methods have been developed for the stabilization, purification, and characterization of receptor proteins, and through cloning and sequencing of their cDNAs, primary structures for these receptors are now known. This has led to the recognition of structural similarities among the family of receptors for the different steroid hormones and to the identification of regions in the protein molecule responsible for the various aspects of their function. Monoclonal antibodies recognizing specific molecular domains are available for most receptors. Despite the knowledge that has been acquired, many important questions remain unsolved. How does association with the steroid remove factors keeping the receptor protein in its native state, and how does binding of the transformed receptor to the response element in the promoter region enhance gene transcription? Once it has converted the receptor to the nuclear binding state, is there a further role for the steroid in modulating transcription? Still not entirely clear is the involvement of phosphorylation and/or dephosphorylation in hormone binding, receptor transformation, and transcriptional activation. Less vital to basic understanding but important in the overall picture is whether the native receptors for gonadal hormones are entirely confined to the nucleus or whether there is an intracellular distribution equilibrium. With the effort now being devoted to this field, and with the application of new experimental techniques, especially those of molecular biology, our understanding of receptor function is progressing rapidly. The precise mechanism of steroid hormone action should soon be completely established.

24-homologated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 compounds: separation of calcium and cell differentiation activities

A series of 24-homologated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 compounds have been chemically synthesized and studied with regard to their activity in inducing differentiation of human promyelocyte HL-60 cells to monocytes and in calcium mobilizing activity in vitamin D deficient rats. Homologation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 or its delta 22 analogue by one or two carbons increases by 10-fold and three-carbon homologation reduces by half the activity in causing differentiation of HL-60. On the other hand, homologation causes a substantial decrease in in vivo calcium mobilization activity. The addition of each carbon at the 24-position decreases binding to the HL-60 receptor or rat intestinal receptor by 5-10-fold so that binding affinity of the trihomo compound for the receptors is 130 times less that of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Thus, binding affinity for the receptor cannot account for the preferential activity of the 24-homologated compounds in inducing cell differentiation.

DNA sequences in the rat osteocalcin gene that bind the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor and confer responsiveness to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The 5' flanking region of the rat osteocalcin gene has been shown to confer responsiveness to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] after transfection of fusion genes into ROS 17/2.8 cells. Deletion analysis has demonstrated that there are at least two domains in this 5' flanking region that contribute to 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness; however, only the downstream region is able to confer 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness to either the native osteocalcin promoter or to a heterologous viral promoter (herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase). The proximal region responsible for 1,25(OH)2D3 induction of the rat osteocalcin gene lies 458 base pairs upstream from the transcription start site of this gene. A 25-base-pair oligonucleotide corresponding to the sequences in this region is able to confer 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness to the thymidine kinase promoter in an orientation-independent fashion. This sequence contains three copies of a short sequence that are homologous to "half-sites" of steroid response elements. Gel-retardation assays using porcine intestinal nuclear extract as a rich source of 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor demonstrated retardation in the migration of probes containing the sequence noted above. A monoclonal antibody directed against the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor caused further retardation in the migration of these protein-DNA complexes. Therefore, the sequences represented in this oligonucleotide encompass the sequences necessary for binding of the 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor to DNA as well as those sequences necessary for 1,25(OH)2D3 to induce osteocalcin gene transcription.

Protein purification

This monograph summarizes recent developments in the purification and analysis of natural and recombinant proteins. The basic strategies employed in protein purification are reviewed with regards to the characteristics of the protein of interest that may aid its isolation, choice of the starting material, and use of denaturants. Preparation of cell-free extracts followed by bulk precipitation and/or phase partition constitute the initial steps of many purification schemes. Chromatographic methods (size exclusion, ion exchange, hydroxylapatite, reversed phase, hydrophobic interaction and affinity based) utilizing either traditional, low pressure or high-performance liquid chromatography instrumentation are discussed. Electrophoretic techniques used to analyze the homogeneity of the protein product include SDS-PAGE, isotachophoresis, IEF and two dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Structure and regulation of the rat 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor

Complementary DNA clones encoding the entire rat 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor were isolated, and the total 423-amino acid sequence was deduced. The amino acid sequence of the rat receptor is similar but not identical to the reported human receptor sequence. The cysteine-rich DNA-binding domain is completely conserved and the steroid-binding domain is greater than 93% conserved between rat and human. The cDNA was used as a probe in blot analysis of polyadenylylated RNA to show that the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor mRNA is a single 4.4-kilobase mRNA that is expressed in intestine and kidney, slightly expressed in heart, and not detectable in liver and spleen. The receptor mRNA concentration is markedly increased during development of the rat intestine between day 14 and day 21, in accord with previous results obtained by measurement of receptor concentration by ligand binding or immunoblotting.

Partial amino acid sequence of porcine 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography

Monoclonal antibodies against the porcine 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor were immobilized on Sepharose CL-4B and used to obtain a highly purified 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor fraction with a 45% recovery of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 binding capacity. The porcine receptor was purified to homogeneity by preparative electrophoresis and digested in sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gels with Staphylococcus aureus strain V8 protease. The resulting peptides were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, electrophoretically transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, and directly sequenced. The generation and isolation of peptides by this method allows sequencing of proteins present in trace amounts as well as those whose amino termini have been modified. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor amino acid sequence corresponded to the sequence predicted from a recently cloned receptor cDNA obtained from rat kidney mRNAs.

24- and 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: preferential activity in inducing differentiation of human leukemia cells HL-60 in vitro

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonal form of vitamin D3, promotes the differentiation of HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells into monocytes. Differentiation changes include the induction of phagocytosis, the initiation of nitroblue tetrazolium-reducing activity, and the appearance of nonspecific acid esterase. We have found that the 24-homo- and 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and their delta 22 analogues are 10-fold more potent than 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inducing differentiation of HL-60 cells in vitro. In vivo, these analogues show activity similar to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in stimulating intestinal calcium transport in vitamin D-deficient rats. The 24-homoanalogues are significantly less active, whereas the 26-homo derivatives are more active than the natural hormone in mobilizing calcium from bone. This unusual activity pattern cannot be explained on the basis of the affinity of these analogues for the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 intracellular receptor: both 24-homo- and 26-homo-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 have the same effectiveness as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in displacing the tritiated hormone from its receptor in rat intestine or HL-60 cells. These analogues of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 may be of some interest as possible therapeutic substances, or as tools in understanding the action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in inducing differentiation.

Molecular cloning of complementary DNA encoding the avian receptor for vitamin D

Vitamin D3 receptors are intracellular proteins that mediate the nuclear action of the active metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. Two receptor-specific monoclonal antibodies were used to recover the complementary DNA (cDNA) of this regulatory protein from a chicken intestinal lambda gt11 cDNA expression library. The amino acid sequences that were deduced from this cDNA revealed a highly conserved cysteine-rich region that displayed homology with a domain characteristic of other steroid receptors and with the gag-erbA oncogene product of avian erythroblastosis virus. RNA selected via hybridization with this DNA sequence directed the cell-free synthesis of immunoprecipitable vitamin D3 receptor. Northern blot analysis of polyadenylated RNA with these cDNA probes revealed two vitamin D receptor messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of 2.6 and 3.2 kilobases in receptor-containing chicken tissues and a major cross-hybridizing receptor mRNA species of 4.2 kilobases in mouse 3T6 fibroblasts. The 4.2-kilobase species was substantially increased by prior exposure of 3T6 cells to 1,25(OH)2D3. This cDNA represents perhaps the rarest mRNA cloned to date in eukaryotes, as well as the first receptor sequence described for an authentic vitamin.

Avian and mammalian receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: in vitro translation to characterize size and hormone-dependent regulation

In vitro translation of cellular poly(A)+ RNA coupled with immunoprecipitation was developed as a technique for characterizing 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] receptors and assessing receptor mRNA activity. Cell-free translation of poly(A)+ RNA isolated from chicken intestine revealed two immunoprecipitable forms of avian receptor at 60 kDa and 58 kDa. These two species were identical in electrophoretic mobility to those detected directly in intestinal cytosol by immunoblot analysis. Liver, a tissue devoid of 1,25-(OH)2D3 binding activity, contained no apparent translatable receptor mRNA. 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors were also synthesized in vitro employing poly(A)+ RNA obtained from several cultured mammalian cell lines. Selective immunoprecipitation revealed a single form of receptor at 54 kDa in mouse fibroblasts (3T6) and pig kidney cells (LLC-PK1) and a 52-kDa species in human breast carcinoma (T47D). Each of these in vitro translated mammalian 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors migrated identically with its cellular counterpart that was synthesized in vivo employing metabolic labeling of cell protein with [35S]methionine. In vitro translation of poly(A)+ RNA derived from mouse 3T6 cells treated with 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 24-48 hr disclosed a 5-fold increase in receptor mRNA activity over untreated control cells. These results are consistent with the conclusions that 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors are protein species ranging from 52 to 60 kDa and that, though their functional and immunological domains have been evolutionarily conserved, an inverse relationship apparently exists between phylogenetic status and receptor mass. The data also support the hypothesis that the presence of 1,25-(OH)2D3 leads to a significant increase in receptor mRNA activity in 3T6 cells, indicative of receptor autoregulation.

Monoclonal antibodies to the porcine intestinal receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: interaction with distinct receptor domains

Monoclonal antibodies to different domains of the porcine intestinal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] receptor have been produced. A nuclear extract enriched in the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor was prepared from small intestinal mucosa of young pigs. The receptor was purified an additional 6600-fold by chromatography on DNA-cellulose, ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration high-performance liquid chromatography, and DEAE-Sepharose chromatography, with an overall yield of 23% and an average purity of 24%. A BALB/c mouse immunized with this material developed serum polyclonal antibodies to the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor, as demonstrated by a change in sedimentation of the porcine receptor on sucrose gradients. Spleen cells from this animal were fused with mouse myeloma cells (P3-NSI/1-Ag4-1, SP2/0-Ag14), and 24 hybridomas secreting antibodies to the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor were identified by both a radiometric immunosorbent assay and an immunoprecipitation assay. Twenty-one hybridoma lines were cloned by limiting dilution and further characterized as subclass IgG1 antibodies with the exception of one which is an IgA. All but two of the antibodies cross-react with the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor from both mammalian (human, monkey, and rat) and avian (chicken) intestine; two antibodies recognize only porcine intestinal receptor. All antibodies are unreactive to the vitamin D serum transport protein. Eight of the antibodies bind denatured receptor on an immunoblot. A solid-phase competition assay was used to identify four groups of antibodies that bind to distinct epitopes on the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor. One antibody from each of the four groups was used to examine the effect of antibody binding on the DNA-binding activity of the receptor-hormone complex. One antibody completely inhibited the binding of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor complex to DNA-cellulose, suggesting that the epitope for this antibody may be located in the polynucleotide binding domain of the protein. Antibodies from two additional groups only slightly perturbed DNA binding, while one had no effect, suggesting that these antibodies bind to receptor epitopes distant from the region of the polypeptide directly involved in polynucleotide binding. These antibodies that are directed to several different binding sites on the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor provide important new tools to probe the biochemistry and topology of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor and to investigate its role in mediating target tissue response to hormone.

The relationship between the vitamin D system and cancer

The classic function of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, is the maintenance of normal levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 binds to a specific receptor protein and exerts its biologic action by a mechanism analogous to that proposed for other steroid hormones, that is, the receptor-ligand complex acts on the chromatin to induce transcription of specific genes. Intracellular receptors that bind 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with high affinity have been found in a large number of tumor cell lines examined as melanoma, osteosarcoma, and human breast and colonic carcinoma cells. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor in these cells has characteristics similar to the receptor in bone and intestine, the known target tissues of the hormone. In fact, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits the proliferation of melanoma, osteosarcoma, and breast carcinoma cells. More recently, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 has been shown to suppress the growth and induce monocytic differentiation of murine and human myeloid leukemia cells in vitro. These results point to a previously unsuspected involvement of vitamin D in cell proliferation and differentiation and suggest that analogs of the vitamin D hormone may be of interest as possible therapeutic agents in the treatment of malignancy.