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Non-genomic signal transduction pathway of vitamin D in muscle.

The secosteroid hormone 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 rapidly activates voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels of the L-type in skeletal and cardiac muscle cells by a non-genomic mechanism which involves guanine nucleotide binding (G) protein-medicated stimulation of the adenylate cyclase/cAMP/protein kinase A messenger system. Modifications in calmodulin intracellular distribution induced by PKA-dependent membrane protein phosphorylation may participate in the fast regulation of muscle Ca2+ influx by 1,25(OH)2D3. The protein kinase C pathway also plays a role modulating 1,25(OH)2D3 signal transduction in muscle by cross-talk with the PKA system. The hormone sequentially activates phospholipases C and D providing diacylglycerol for PKC activation and inositol triphosphate for intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 rapidly stimulates phospholipase A2 generating arachidonic acid for the eicosanoid pathway. Specificity of hormone effects suggests that binding to a muscle membrane-bound receptor mediates these events.

Animals↗

Regulation of proliferation of rat cartilage and bone by sex steroid hormones.

We have demonstrated previously that 17 beta-estradiol (E2) stimulates proliferation of skeletal tissues, both in vivo and in vitro, as measured by increased DNA synthesis and creatine kinase (CK) specific activity. The effect of E2 on bone is sex specific. E2 is active only in females and androgens only in males. By contrast, in cartilage of both sexes, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as E2 stimulates CK specific activity and DNA synthesis. In bone, we find that sex steroids stimulate skeletal cell proliferation in gonadectomized as well as in immature rats. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats, between 1 and 4 weeks after surgery, show stimulation of CK by E2. The basal activity and response of CK changes with the varying endogenous levels of E2 in cycling rats, in which the highest basal activity is at proestrus and estrus and the highest response is in diestrus. In rats of all ages tested, both the basal and stimulated specific activity of CK is higher in diaphysis and epiphysis than in the uterus, or in the adipose tissue adjacent to the uterus, which has a response similar to that of the uterus itself. The effect of E2 in vivo, and in chrondroblasts and osteoblasts in vitro, is inhibited by high levels of the antiestrogen tamoxifen which, by itself, in similar high concentrations, shows stimulatory effects. In addition to the sex steroids, skeletal cells are also stimulated by secosteroid and peptide calciotrophic hormones. The interactions of the sex steroids with these hormones modulate the response of cartilage and bone cells to both sex steroids and the other calciotrophic hormones. These results provide the first steps towards understanding the regulation of bone cell proliferation and growth by the concerted action of a variety of hormones and growth factors.

Animals↗

Rat cytochrome P450C24 (CYP24A1) and the role of F249 in substrate binding and catalytic activity.

A high level of functional recombinant rat cytochrome P450C24 enzyme (CYP24A1) was obtained (40-50mg/L) using an Escherichia coli expression system. Purified enzyme was stable with retention of spectral and catalytic activity. The rate of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] side-chain oxidation and cleavage to the end-product calcitroic acid was directly related to the rate of electron transfer from the ferredoxin redox partner. It was determined from substrate-induced spectral shifts that the 1 alpha- and 25-hydroxyl groups on vitamin D(3) metabolites and analogs were the major determinants for high-affinity binding to CYP24A1. Lowest K(d) values were obtained for 1 alpha-vitamin D(3) (0.06 microM) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (0.05 microM) whereas unmodified parental vitamin D(3) and the non-secosteroid 25-hydroxycholesterol had lower affinities with K(d) values of 1.3 and 1.9 microM, respectively. The lowest binding affinity for natural vitamin D metabolites was observed for 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [24,25(OH)(2)D(3)] (0.43 microM). Kinetic analyses of the two natural substrates 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D(3)] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] revealed similar K(m) values (0.35 and 0.38 microM, respectively), however, the turnover number was higher for 25(OH)D(3) compared to 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (4.2 and 1 min(-1), respectively). Mutagenesis of F249 within the F-helix of CYP24A1 altered substrate binding and metabolism. Most notable, the hydrophobic to polar mutant F249T had a strong impact on lowering substrate-binding affinity and catalysis of the final C(23) oxidation sequence from 24,25,26,27-tetranor-1,23-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) to calcitroic acid. Two other hydrophobic 249 mutants (F249A and F249Y) also lowered substrate binding and expressed metabolic abnormalities that included the C(23)-oxidation defect observed with mutant F249T plus a similar defect involving an earlier pathway action for the C(24) oxidation of 1,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D(3). Therefore, Phe-249 within the F-helix was demonstrated to have an important role in properly binding and aligning substrate in the CYP24A1 active site for C(23) and C(24) oxidation reactions.

Adrenodoxin↗

C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 is catalyzed by 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1): metabolism studies with human keratinocytes and rat recombinant CYP24A1.

Recently, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) has been shown to catalyze not only hydroxylation at C-24 but also hydroxylations at C-23 and C-26 of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3). It remains to be determined whether CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate vitamin D3 compounds at C-25. 1alpha,24(R)-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3) is a non-25-hydroxylated synthetic vitamin D3 analog that is presently being used as an antipsoriatic drug. In the present study, we investigated the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes in order to examine the ability of CYP24A1 to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25. The results indicated that keratinocytes metabolize 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 into several previously known both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites along with two new metabolites, namely 1alpha,23,24(OH)3D3 and 1alpha,24(OH)2-23-oxo-D3. Production of the metabolites including the 25-hydroxylated ones was detectable only when CYP24A1 activity was induced in keratinocytes 1alpha,25(OH)2D3. This finding provided indirect evidence to indicate that CYP24A1 catalyzes C-25 hydroxylation of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3. The final proof for this finding was obtained through our metabolism studies using highly purified recombinant rat CYP24A1 in a reconstituted system. Incubation of this system with 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 resulted in the production of both 25-hydroxylated and non-25-hydroxylated metabolites. Thus, in our present study, we identified CYP24A1 as the main enzyme responsible for the metabolism of 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 in human keratinocytes, and provided unequivocal evidence to indicate that the multicatalytic enzyme CYP24A1 has the ability to hydroxylate 1alpha,24(R)(OH)2D3 at C-25.

Animals↗

Hybrid homology modeling and mutational analysis of cytochrome P450C24A1 (CYP24A1) of the Vitamin D pathway: insights into substrate specificity and membrane bound structure-function.

Cytochrome P450C24A1 (CYP24A1), a peripheral inner mitochondrial membrane hemoprotein and candidate oncogene, regulates the side-chain metabolism and biological function of vitamin D and many of its related analog drugs. Rational mutational analysis of rat CYP24A1 based on hybrid (2C5/BM-3) homology modeling and affinity labeling studies clarified the role of key domains (N-terminus, A', A, and F-helices, beta3a strand, and beta5 hairpin) in substrate binding and catalysis. The scope of our study was limited by an inability to purify stable mutant enzyme targeting soluble domains (B', G, and I-helices) and suggested greater conformational flexibility among CYP24A1's membrane-associated domains. The most notable mutants developed by modeling were V391T and I500A, which displayed defective-binding function and profound metabolic defects for 25-hydroxylated vitamin D3 substrates similar to a non-functional F-helix mutant (F249T) that we previously reported. Val-391 (beta3a strand) and Ile-500 (beta5 hairpin) are modeled to interact with Phe-249 (F-helix) in a hydrophobic cluster that directs substrate-binding events through interactions with the vitamin D cis-triene moiety. Prior affinity labeling studies identified an amino-terminal residue (Ser-57) as a putative active-site residue that interacts with the 3beta-OH group of the vitamin D A-ring. Studies with 3-epi and 3-deoxy-1,25(OH)2D3 analogs confirmed interactions between the 3beta-OH group and Ser-57 effect substrate recognition and trafficking while establishing that the trans conformation of A-ring hydroxyl groups (1alpha and 3beta) is obligate for high-affinity binding to rat CYP24A1. Our work suggests that CYP24A1's amphipathic nature allows for monotopic membrane insertion, whereby a pw2d-like substrate access channel is formed to shuttle secosteroid substrate from the membrane to the active-site. We hypothesize that CYP24A1 has evolved a unique amino-terminal membrane-binding motif that contributes to substrate specificity and docking through coordinated interactions with the vitamin D A-ring.

Amino Acid Motifs↗

Vitamin D resistance.

Vitamin D is a secosteroid of nutritional origin but can also be generated in the skin by ultraviolet light. After two hydroxylations 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D avidly binds and activates the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear transcription factor, hereby regulating a large number of genes. The generation of VDR deficient mice has expanded the knowledge on vitamin D from a calcium-regulating hormone to a humoral factor with extensive actions. The effects of the vitamin D system on calcium and bone homeostasis are largely mediated by promoting active intestinal calcium transport via the induction of the epithelial calcium channel TRPV6. Although VDR is redundant in bone, it may regulate the differentiation and function of several bone cells. In skin, VDR expression in keratinocytes is essential in a ligand-independent manner for the maintenance of the normal hair cycle. Therefore, VDR but not vitamin D deficiency results in alopecia. Moreover, 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D impairs the proliferation not only of keratinocytes but also of many cell types by regulating the expression of cell cycle genes, leading to a G1 cell cycle arrest. In addition, VDR inactivation in mice results in high renin hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy and thrombogenesis. Finally, a dual effect of vitamin D was observed in the immune system where it stimulates the innate immune system while tapering down excessive activation of the acquired immune system. Taken together, the vitamin D endocrine system not only regulates calcium homeostasis but affects several systems mainly by altering gene expression but also by ligand-independent actions.

Animals↗

Effects of 1alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the expression of HO-1 and GFAP in glial cells of the photothrombotically lesioned cerebral cortex.

In ischemic cerebral injuries a cascade of degenerative mechanisms, all participating in the development of oxidative stress, influence the condition of the tissue. The survival of viable tissue affected by secondary injury largely depends on the balance between endogenous protective mechanisms and the ongoing degenerative processes. The inducible enzyme, heme oxygenase-1 metabolizes and thus detoxifies free heme to the powerful endogenous antioxidants biliverdin and bilirubin therefore enhancing neuroprotection. The secosteroid 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3) is a modulator of the immune system and also exhibits a strong potential for neuroprotection as recently shown in the MCAO model of cerebral ischemia. We studied the effects of 1,25-D3 treatment on heme oxygenase-1 expression following focal cortical ischemia elicited by photothrombosis. Postlesional treatment with 1,25-D3 (4 microg/kg body weight) resulted in a transient, but significant upregulation of glial heme oxygenase-1 immunoreactivity concomitant with a reduction in glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in remote cortical regions affected by a secondary spread of injury, whereas the size of the lesion's core remained unaffected. 1,25-D3 did not produce a temporal shift or extension of injury-related heme oxygenase-1 responses, indicating that 1,25-D3 did not prolong ischemia-related heme oxygenase-1 expression. In contrast to glial heme oxygenase-1 upregulation, glial fibrillary acidic protein, a sensitive marker for reactive gliosis, was significantly reduced. These findings support an additional protective action of 1,25-D3 at the cellular level in regions affected by secondary injury-related responses.

Animals↗

Neuroprotective effects of (24R)-1,24-dihydroxycholecalciferol in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.

The active form of Vitamin D(3) has been reported to prevent neuronal damage caused by a variety of insults, however, it may also induce undesirable hypercalcemic effects. In the present study, we evaluated effects of (24R)-1,24-dihydroxycholecalciferol (PRI-2191) on hydrogen peroxide- and excitatory amino acid-induced neuronal damage in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. Exposure of SH-SY5Y cells to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 5mM), kainate (0.2mM) and hydrogen peroxide (0.1-1mM) significantly enhanced lactate dehydrogenase release. Furthermore, the neurotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide was dependent on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)- and p38- mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity. Both secosteroids at nanomolar concentrations inhibited neuronal damage, but their efficacy varied depending on the toxic agent. PRI-2191 was equipotent as 1alpha,25-dihydroxyVitamin D(3) in protecting SH-SY5Ycells against NMDA toxicity, and had stronger effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage, but was less efficient against kainate-induced injury. The obtained results suggest potential usefulness of PRI 2191 in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Ligand modulates VDR-Ser/Thr protein phosphatase interaction and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation in a cell-context-dependent manner.

We have recently shown that in colon cancer cells, Vitamin D receptor (VDR) interacts with the catalytic subunit of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, PP1c and PP2Ac, and induces their enzymatic activity in a ligand-dependent manner. The VDR-PP1c and VDR-PP2Ac interactions were ligand independent in vivo, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3))-mediated increase in VDR-associated phosphatase activity resulted in dephosphorylation and inactivation of p70S6 kinase in colon cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that in myeloid leukemia cells, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment increased the Thr389 phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase. Accordingly, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) decreased VDR-associated Ser/Thr protein phosphatase activity by dissociating VDR-PP1c and VDR-PP2Ac interactions. Further, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased the association between VDR and Thr389 phosphorylated p70S6 kinase. Finally, by using non-secosteroidal VDR ligands, we demonstrate a separation between transactivation and p70S6 kinase phosphorylation activities of VDR and show pharmacologically that p70S6 kinase phosphorylation correlates with HL-60 cell differentiation.

Cell Line, Tumor↗

Determinants of circulating 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels: the role of renal synthesis and catabolism of vitamin D.

Details of the molecular mechanisms determining levels of the secosteroid, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25D) remain to be elucidated. The current paradigm for the control of serum 1,25D levels is the tight regulation of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1alpha-hydroxlase (CYP27B1) activity by a number of physiological factors. 1,25D production is also regulated by the cytochrome P450 enzyme, 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (CYP24), which through side chain hydroxylation reactions, inactivates 1,25D. We have recently demonstrated that renal CYP27B1 and CYP24 expression contribute equally to regulating serum 1,25D levels. We now describe the contribution of renal Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in determining serum 1,25D levels. Serum 1,25D levels were decreased when the dietary calcium intake was increased. We measured mRNA levels for CYP27B1, CYP24 and VDR receptor in kidney RNA extracts from animals fed diets containing different levels of calcium, ranging from 0.05 to 1%. Serum 1,25D levels were negatively correlated with renal CYP24 mRNA levels (R2 = 0.35, P < 0.01) while renal VDR is positively correlated with renal CYP24 mRNA (R2 = 0.80, P < 0.001). However, only renal VDR mRNA remained a significant determinant of renal CYP24 expression when both these variables were included in multiple linear regression analysis (multiple R2 = 0.89, P < 0.001). These findings suggest that kidney CYP24 activity acts in concert with kidney CYP27B1 to control serum 1,25D levels and that serum 1,25D stimulates renal CYP24 expression by acting through the renal VDR.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗

Vitamin D and barrier function: a novel role for extra-renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase.

Much recent attention has focused on the positive health benefits of vitamin D beyond its established role in calcium homeostasis. Epidemiology has highlighted the link between vitamin D deficiency and prevalent diseases such as common cancers and autoimmune disease. Furthermore, studies in vitro have shown that the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is a potent antiproliferative and immunosuppressive agent. The net effect of this has been the generation and analysis of synthetic analogues of vitamin D for potential use in the treatment of cancers and other disorders including psoriasis. However, there is increasing interest in the impact that vitamin D may have on normal physiology above and beyond its classical effects on calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. We have postulated that these 'non-calcemic' effects of vitamin D are dependent on extra-renal synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) via the enzyme 1 alpha-hydroxylase at barrier sites throughout the body. Here we present a review of the mechanisms associated with extra-renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase, and we also speculate on how this 'new' physiological role for vitamin D may actually reflect an ancient function for this pluripotent secosteroid.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗

Increased grooming behavior in mice lacking vitamin D receptors.

Vitamin D is a neuroactive secosteroid with several important functions in the nervous system. Many human and animal findings link alterations in the vitamin D system to various neurological and behavioral disorders. Since grooming is an important element of animal behavior, here we studied whether genetic ablation of vitamin D receptors (VDR) in mice may be associated with altered grooming behaviors. Overall, VDR knockout (VDRko) mice presented longer duration and higher frequency of grooming when tested in the actimeter, open field, elevated plus maze, and horizontal rod tests. Increased grooming did not, however, correlate with unaltered general activity level (actimeter test), anxiety-like behaviors (hole board and elevated plus maze tests), and emotional reactivity index (defecation boli). In general, our results confirm the role of vitamin D and VDR in the regulation of behavior, including grooming, and suggest that increased grooming behavioral phenotype may be associated with genetic ablation of VDR in mutant mice.

Animals↗

Rapid vitamin D-dependent PKC signaling shares features with estrogen-dependent PKC signaling in cartilage and bone.

Our work is based on the hypothesis that steroid hormones regulate cells through traditional cytoplasmic and nuclear receptor-mediated mechanisms, as well as by rapid effects that are mediated by membrane-associated pathways. We have used the rat costochondral growth plate chondrocyte culture model to study the signaling mechanisms used by steroid hormones to elicit rapid responses and to modulate gene expression in target cells. Our studies show that the secosteroids 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3], and the steroid hormone 17beta-estradiol, cause rapid increases in protein kinase C alpha (PKCalpha) activity, and many of the physiological responses of the cells to these regulators are PKC-dependent. Target cell specificity and the mechanisms by which PKCalpha is activated vary with each hormone. PKC activation initiates a signaling cascade that results in activation of the ERK1/2 family of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), providing an alternate method for the steroids to modulate gene expression other than by traditional steroid hormone receptor-mediated pathways. In addition to their effects on growth plate chondrocytes, steroid hormones secreted by the cells also control events in the extracellular matrix through direct non-genomic regulation of matrix vesicles.

Animals↗

The ontogeny of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) 1alpha-hydroxylase expression in human placenta and decidua.

In addition to its classical calciotropic effects, the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is a potent anti-proliferative/immunomodulatory secosteroid. The enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), 1alpha-hydroxylase (1alpha-OHase), is expressed in many human tissues, highlighting its possible role as an autocrine/paracrine activator of vitamin D. Immunohistochemical and RNA analyses were used to characterize the ontogeny of 1alpha-OHase expression in human placenta and decidua. Protein for 1alpha-OHase was detectable in trophoblast and decidua; the latter being stronger in decidualized stromal cells than macrophages, with no staining of lymphocytes. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was used to assess changes in mRNA expression for 1alpha-OHase at different gestations: first (mean, 9.1 +/- 1.5 weeks); second (mean, 14 +/- 1.8 weeks), and third trimester (mean, 39.3 +/- 2.5 weeks). 1alpha-OHase expression in decidua was approximately 1000-fold higher in first (95% confidence limits, 611 to 1376) and second (95% confidence limits, 633 to 1623) trimester biopsies when compared with the third trimester (95% confidence limits, 0.36 to 2.81) (both P < 0.001). In placenta, 1alpha-OHase expression was 80-fold higher in the first (range, 42 to 137) and second (range, 30 to 199) trimester when compared with third trimester biopsies (0.6 to 1.6) (both P < 0.001). Similar results were obtained by semiquantitative IHC. Parallel analysis of the receptor for 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (vitamin D receptor) indicated that, as with 1alpha-OHase, highest levels of expression occurred in first trimester decidua. However, changes in vitamin D receptor mRNA expression across gestation were less pronounced than 1alpha-OHase. These spatiotemporal data emphasize the potential importance of 1alpha-OHase during early fetoplacental life and, in particular, suggest an autocrine/paracrine immunomodulatory function for the enzyme.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗

Effects of calcitriol and its analogues, calcipotriol (MC 903) and 20-epi-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (MC 1288), on calcium influx and DNA synthesis in cultured muscle cells.

The fast actions of the secosteroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3; calcitriol] and the synthetic analogues calcipotriol (MC 903) and 20-epi-1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (MC 1288) on cell calcium influx were compared in rat duodenum enterocytes as well as in cells from chick embryo skeletal muscle (myoblasts) and heart (myocytes), at various concentrations (10(-12) to 10(-8) M) and treatment intervals (1-10 min). In enterocytes, at a concentration of 10(-11) M, MC 1288 was significantly more active than 1,25(OH)2D3 in rapidly stimulating 45Ca2+ uptake by enterocytes (80 vs 38% above controls, respectively), whereas MC 903 was devoid of activity. However, calcipotriol increased Ca2+ influx in myocytes and myoblasts to a greater extent than the natural hormone, whereas MC 1288 was more active only in myoblasts. Analogously to 1,25(OH)2D3, the fast MC 903- and MC 1288-induced stimulation of 45Ca2+ uptake in enterocytes and muscle cells could be blocked by both verapamil and nifedipine. In addition, MC 903 and MC 1288 were more effective than 1,25(OH)2D3 in stimulating DNA synthesis in proliferating myoblasts and in inhibiting DNA synthesis in differentiating myoblasts. The results suggest, therefore, that modifications in the side-chain of the 1,25(OH)2D3 molecule increase its ability to modulate muscle cell Ca2+ metabolism and growth. These findings are potentially relevant for the development of analogues for the treatment of vitamin D-dependent myopathies.

Animals↗

Highly active analogs of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) that resist metabolism through C-24 oxidation and C-3 epimerization pathways.

The secosteroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] is metabolized in its target tissues through modifications of both the side chain and the A-ring. The C-24 oxidation pathway, the main side chain modification pathway is initiated by hydroxylation at C-24 of the side chain and leads to the formation of the end product, calcitroic acid. The C-23 and C-26 oxidation pathways, the minor side chain modification pathways are initiated by hydroxylations at C-23 and C-26 of the side chain and lead to the formation of the end product, calcitriol lactone. The C-3 epimerization pathway, the newly discovered A-ring modification pathway is initiated by epimerization of the hydroxyl group at C-3 of the A-ring to form 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-3-epi-D(3). A rational design for the synthesis of potent analogs of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) is developed based on the knowledge of the various metabolic pathways of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3). Structural modifications around the C-20 position, such as C-20 epimerization or introduction of the 16-double bond affect the configuration of the side chain. This results in the arrest of the C-24 hydroxylation initiated cascade of side chain modifications at the C-24 oxo stage, thus producing the stable C-24 oxo metabolites which are as active as their parent analogs. To prevent C-23 and C-24 hydroxylations, cis or trans double bonds, or a triple bond are incorporated in between C-23 and C-24. To prevent C-26 hydroxylation, the hydrogens on these carbons are replaced with fluorines. Furthermore, testing the metabolic fate of the various analogs with modifications of the A-ring, it was found that the rate of C-3 epimerization of 5,6-trans or 19-nor analogs is decreased to a significant extent. Assembly of all these protective structural modifications in single molecules has then produced the most active vitamin D(3) analogs 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-16,23-E-diene-26,27-hexafluoro-19-nor-D(3) (Ro 25-9022), 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-16,23-Z-diene-26,27-hexafluoro-19-nor-D(3) (Ro 26-2198), and 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-hexafluoro-19-nor-D(3) (Ro 25-6760), as indicated by their antiproliferative activities.

Animals↗

Metabolism of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) in human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells: in vitro biological activities of the natural metabolites of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) produced in HL-60 cells.

The secosteroid hormone, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)], induces differentiation of the human promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells into monocytes/macrophages. At present, the metabolic pathways of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and the biologic activity of its various natural intermediary metabolites in HL-60 cells are not fully understood. 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) is metabolized in its target tissues via modifications of both the side chain and the A-ring. The C-24 oxidation pathway, the main side chain modification pathway initiated by hydroxylation at C-24 leads to the formation of the end product, calcitroic acid. The C-23 and C-26 oxidation pathways, the minor side chain modification pathways initiated by hydroxylations at C-23 and C-26 respectively together lead to the formation of the end product, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-lactone. The C-3 epimerization pathway, the newly discovered A-ring modification pathway is initiated by epimerization of the hydroxyl group at C-3 to form 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-3-epi-vitamin-D(3). We performed the present study first to examine in detail the metabolism of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in HL-60 cells and then to assess the ability of the various natural intermediary metabolites of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in inducing differentiation and in inhibiting clonal growth of HL-60 cells. We incubated HL-60 cells with [1beta-(3)H] 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and demonstrated that these cells metabolize 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) mainly via the C-24 oxidation pathway and to a lesser extent via the C-23 oxidation pathway, but not via the C-3-epimerization pathway. Three of the natural intermediary metabolites of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) derived via the C-24 oxidation pathway namely, 1alpha,24(R),25-trihydroxyvitamin D(3), 1alpha,25-dihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D(3) and 1alpha,23(S),25-trihydroxy-24-oxovitamin D(3) [1alpha,23(S),25(OH)(3)-24-oxo-D(3)] were almost as potent as 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in terms of their ability to differentiate HL-60 cells into monocytes/macrophages. We then selected 1alpha,23(S),25(OH)(3)-24-oxo-D(3) which has the least calcemic activity among all the three aforementioned natural intermediary metabolites of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) to examine further its effects on these cells. Our results indicated that 1alpha,23(S),25(OH)(3)-24-oxo-D(3) was also equipotent to its parent in inhibiting clonal growth of HL-60 cells and in inducing expression of CD11b protein. In summary, we report that 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) is metabolized in HL-60 cells into several intermediary metabolites derived via both the C-24 and C-23 oxidation pathways but not via the C-3 epimerization pathway. Some of the intermediary metabolites derived via the C-24 oxidation pathway are found to be almost equipotent to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) in modulating growth and differentiation of HL-60 cells. In a previous study, the same metabolites when compared to 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) were found to be less calcemic. Thus, the findings of our study suggest that some of the natural metabolites of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) may be responsible for the final expression of the noncalcemic actions that are presently being attributed to their parent, 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3).

Calcitriol↗

Immunochemical studies on the putative plasmalemmal receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 II. Chick kidney and brain.

Chick kidney and brain were analyzed for the subcellular distribution (if any) of a putative plasma membrane receptor for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. Fractionation protocols were found to be based not only on differential centrifugation conditions, but also gentleness of resuspension procedures, and sufficiently dense Percoll gradients. The postnuclear pellets were resolved on 21.85% Percoll gradients overlayed on 2.4 M sucrose cushions. For both kidney and brain, fraction 1 (bottom of tube) was found to be enriched over whole homogenate 5.4- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in acid phosphatase activity, fractions 2 through 5 were enriched four- and eightfold, respectively, in succinate dehydrogenase activity, fraction 8 contained Golgi, as judged by a small peak of alpha-mannosidase activity, and fraction 9 was enriched sevenfold (for each tissue) in Na+,K+-ATPase activity. Western analyses, using a characterized antibody to the putative chick intestinal plasma membrane vitamin D receptor, revealed the highest levels of antigenicity in both chick kidney and brain in plasma membrane and Golgi fractions, followed by unidentified membranes in fractions 6 and 7 of Percoll gradients. Distribution of specific binding of [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 in Percoll gradient fractions paralleled that of antigenicity. Qualitatively, kidney plasma membrane contained more antigen than brain plasma membrane after Western blot analyses; these results were mirrored by differences in specific binding of the tritiated secosteroid (65 +/- 14.5 and 34 +/- 11.9 fmol/mg of protein, respectively).

Acid Phosphatase↗