Dihydroxy-cholecalciferol stimulates adipocytic differentiation of porcine mesenchymal stem cells

Dihydroxy-cholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3] has been shown to have pleiotropic effects on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) based on species and culture conditions. We have examined the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the differentiation of porcine MSC under culture conditions designed to promote proliferation in order to attempt to mimic the conditions in young, rapidly growing animals. The MSC were isolated from bone marrow of a young pig and grown in basal media (BM) containing DMEM+10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Cells received either BM, BM+10(-8) M 1,25(OH)2D3 or BM+10(-7) M 1,25(OH)2D3 with complete media changes every 3 days for a total of 12 days of culture. On days 3, 6, 9 and 12, viable cell numbers were determined, and samples were collected for gene expression analysis and cytochemical staining. There was a treatment-based reduction in cell numbers on 6, 9 and 12 days (P<.05). The concentrations of mRNAs encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, lipoprotein lipase, and adipocyte-binding protein 2 were increased (P<.05) in a manner indicative of adipocytic differentiation by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 in a dose-dependent manner. However, the mRNA levels of osteocalcin, a late stage marker of osteoblastic differentiation, was also increased (P<.05) by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3. An increased percentage of lipid filling, based on Oil Red O staining, and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity, was also seen with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. These data suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulates the differentiation of porcine MSC towards an adipocytic phenotype.     

The rapid effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 require the vitamin D receptor and influence 24-hydroxylase activity: studies in human skin fibroblasts bearing vitamin D receptor mutations

If both rapid and genomic pathways may co-exist in the same cell, the involvement of the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the rapid effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) remains unclear. We therefore studied rapid and long term effects of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in cultured skin fibroblasts from three patients with severe vitamin D-resistant rickets and one age-matched control. Patients bear homozygous missense VDR mutations that abolished either VDR binding to DNA (patient 1, mutation K45E) or its stable ligand binding (patients 2 and 3, mutation W286R). In patient 1 cells, 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) (1 pm-10 nm) had no effect on either intracellular calcium or 24-hydroxylase (enzyme activity and mRNA expression). In contrast, cells bearing the W286R mutation had calcium responses to 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) (profile and magnitude) and 24-hydroxylase responses to low (1 pm-100 pm) 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) concentrations (activity, CYP24, and ferredoxin mRNAs) similar to those of controls. The blocker of Ca(2+) channels, verapamil, impeded both rapid (calcium) and long term (24-hydroxylase activity, CYP24, and ferredoxin mRNAs) responses in patient and control fibroblasts. The MEK 1/2 kinase inhibitor PD98059 also blocked the CYP24 mRNA response. Taken together, these results suggest that 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) rapid effects require the presence of VDR and control, in part, the first step of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) catabolism via increased mRNA expression of the CYP24 and ferredoxin genes in the 24-hydroxylase complex.     

Regulation of type I collagen synthesis by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in human osteosarcoma cells

Synthesis of type I and III collagens has been examined in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells after treatment with the steroid hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3). Analysis of total [3H]proline-labeled proteins and pepsin-derived collagens revealed that 1,25-(OH)2D3 selectively stimulated synthesis of alpha 1I and alpha 2I components of type I collagen after 6-12 h. Consistent with previous reports (Franceschi, R. T., Linson, C. J., Peter, T. C., and Romano, P. R. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 4165-4171), parallel increases in fibronectin synthesis were also observed. Hormonal effects were maximal (2- to 2.5-fold versus controls) after 24 h and persisted for at least 48 h. In contrast, synthesis of the alpha 1III component of type III collagen was not appreciably affected by hormone treatment. Of several vitamin D metabolites (1,25-(OH)2D3, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) tested for activity in stimulating type I collagen synthesis, 1,25-(OH)2D3 was found to be the most active. Analysis of collagen mRNA abundance by Northern blot hybridization indicated that both types I and III procollagen mRNAs were increased 4-fold after a 24-h exposure to 1,25-(OH)2D3. Pro alpha 1I mRNA remained elevated through the 48-h time point while pro alpha 2I and pro alpha 1III mRNAs returned to control values. These results indicate that the regulation of collagen synthesis by 1,25-(OH)2D3 is complex and may involve changes in translational efficiency as well as mRNA abundance. 1,25-(OH)2D3 also caused at least a 20-fold increase in levels of the bone-specific calcium-binding protein, osteocalcin. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that 1,25-(OH)2D3 is stimulating partial differentiation to the osteoblast phenotype in MG-63 cells.     

Dibutyryl cAMP enhances the effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on a human promyelocytic leukemia cell, HL-60, at both the receptor and the postreceptor steps.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) induces differentiation of a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line, HL-60, into monocytes/macrophages, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3- and 1,25-(OH)2D3-24-hydroxylase activities in HL-60 mitochondria via a steroid-hormone receptor mechanism. Dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP), a granulocyte inducer, significantly augmented the differentiation-inducing effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 along the monocyte/macrophage pathway. Furthermore, dbcAMP significantly potentiated the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HL-60 cells to hydroxylate 1,25-(OH)2[26,27-3H]D3 to form 1,24,25-(OH)3[26,27-3H]D3. DbcAMP seemed to augment the effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3 in part through upregulation of the 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor, because 10(-7) M dbcAMP increased 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor levels approximately 2.3-fold, which was similar to a 1.9-fold augmentation by the same concentrations of dbcAMP of 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced cell characteristics to hydroxylate C-24 of 1,25-(OH)2[26,27-3H]D3. However, dbcAMP is also known to enhance HL-60 cell differentiation caused by other differentiation inducers. We have established another HL-60 clone which acquires resistance to 1,25-(OH)2D3 in the induction of cell differentiation by a defect at the postreceptor step, as reflected by resistance to other differentiation inducers, such as retinoic acid and dimethyl sulfoxide. Even in this resistant clone, dbcAMP significantly enhanced the differentiation-inducing effect of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Of interest, this clone showed resistance to dbcAMP in the induction of cell differentiation. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that intracellular cAMP levels were significantly lower in uremic serum-treated cells than in cells treated with normal human serum and that a significant positive correlation was found between intracellular cAMP levels and 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced cell differentiation. These data indicated that the intracellular cAMP level is one of the major determinants of 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced HL-60 cell differentiation and that dbcAMP could enhance the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HL-60 cells not only by increasing 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptor levels but also at the postreceptor step.     

Role of ceramide as a lipid mediator of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced HL-60 cell differentiation

The treatment of HL-60 myelocytic leukemia cells with 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) resulted in the activation of a neutral sphingomyelinase and in sphingomyelin turnover (Okazaki, T., Bell, R., and Hannun, Y. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 19076-19080). In this paper, the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the product of sphingomyelin hydrolysis, ceramide, and the possible function of ceramide as a lipid mediator of the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HL-60 cell differentiation were investigated. Treatment of HL-60 cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in ceramide mass levels. Ceramide levels peaked at 2 h following treatment of HL-60 cells with 100 nM 1,25-(OH)2D3 with an increase of 41% over base line. The mass of generated ceramide (13 +/- 2 pmol/nmol of phospholipid) agreed with the mass of hydrolyzed sphingomyelin (17 +/- 4 pmol/nmol of phospholipid). Cell-permeable ceramides with shorter N-acyl chains induced HL-60 cell differentiation at subthreshold concentrations of 1,25-(OH)2D3. Higher concentrations of cell-permeable ceramides potently induced HL-60 cell differentiation independent of 1,25-(OH)2D3. A 2-h exposure of HL-60 cells to N-acetyl-sphingosine was sufficient to cause differentiation. Morphologically, N-acetylsphingosine caused a similar monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells as did 1,25-(OH)2D3. Exogenous ceramide was further metabolized to sphingomyelin and other sphingolipids, but no conversion to sphingosine was detected. Moreover, sphingosine and its analogs failed to affect monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells in response to subthreshold 1,25-(OH)2D3, indicating that the effect of ceramide was independent of sphingosine generation. These studies demonstrate that ceramide is a lipid mediator that may transduce the action of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on HL-60 cell differentiation.     

Bone Gla protein messenger ribonucleic acid is regulated by both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate in rat osteosarcoma cells

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] regulates the synthesis of bone gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) protein (BGP) by osteoblastic cells. In this study we examined the effect of cAMP, alone and in combination with 1,25-(OH)2D3, on the regulation of BGP mRNA levels in ROS 17/2 rat osteosarcoma cells. Elevation of intracellular cAMP levels by cAMP analogs or by isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX), forskolin, or PTH, resulted in increased BGP mRNA levels and BGP secretion after 1 day of treatment. The effects of these agents were additive with 1,25-(OH)2D3 in stimulating BGP gene expression. After 4 days of treatment, pertussis toxin (PT) and 1,25-(OH)2D3 were synergistic in stimulating BGP mRNA, and the effect of PT could be mimicked by (Bu)2cAMP, IBMX, forskolin, cholera toxin, and to a lesser extent by PTH. The effect of 1-day treatment with cAMP alone and the synergistic effect with 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the stimulation of BGP mRNA were dependent on cell density, while basal and 1,25-(OH)2D3-stimulated synthesis were not. Cyclic AMP inhibited ROS 17/2 cell growth after 1 day of treatment, an effect that was also dependent on initial cell density. After 4 days of treatment, 1,25-(OH)2D3, cAMP, and PT all demonstrated inhibition of cell growth. When cells were treated with actinomycin D, both 1,25-(OH)2D3 and cAMP stimulation of BGP mRNA were blocked. In addition, neither agent was effective in enhancing BGP mRNA stability when prestimulated cells were exposed to actinomycin D.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The human myelomonocytic cell line U-937 as a model for studying alterations in steroid-induced monokine gene expression: marked enhancement of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated interleukin-1 beta messenger RNA levels by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The active metabolite of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3], is a potent regulator of human monocyte/macrophage function in vitro. To establish a model for 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation of human monocyte monokine synthesis, three human cell lines (U-937, THP-1, and HL-60) were examined for: 1) the presence of functional 1,25-(OH)2D3 receptors; 2) the accumulation of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA and IL-1 beta protein in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and 3) the regulation of this response by 1,25-(OH)2D3. All three cell lines expressed vitamin D receptor and had increased levels of IL-1 beta mRNA in response to LPS. Preincubation of cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 augmented IL-1 beta mRNA levels only in U-937 and HL-60 cells. From these data, and taking into consideration their state of differentiation and relative ease of culture, U-937 was chosen over HL-60 and THP-1 as the cell line we further characterized. In U-937 cells, optimum time and dose of pretreatment with 1,25-(OH)2D3 were determined to be 12-24 h at a receptor saturating concentration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 (10 nM). Preincubation of cells with 1,25-(OH)2D3 had no effect on the time course of IL-1 beta mRNA appearance in response to LPS. However, exposure of U-937 cells to 1,25-(OH)2D3 increased by 200% the level of IL-1 beta mRNA detected and decreased by three orders of magnitude the concentration of LPS required to achieve steady state mRNA levels equivalent to those observed in U-937 cells not preincubated with the hormone.2+o     

Modulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on human B cell differentiation

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) can modulate immune responses, but whether it directly affects B cell function is unknown. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those with antinuclear Abs and increased disease activity, had decreased 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) levels, suggesting that vitamin D might play a role in regulating autoantibody production. To address this, we examined the effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) on B cell responses and found that it inhibited the ongoing proliferation of activated B cells and induced their apoptosis, whereas initial cell division was unimpeded. The generation of plasma cells and postswitch memory B cells was significantly inhibited by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3), although the up-regulation of genetic programs involved in B cell differentiation was only modestly affected. B cells expressed mRNAs for proteins involved in vitamin D activity, including 1 alpha-hydroxylase, 24-hydroxylase, and the vitamin D receptor, each of which was regulated by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and/or activation. Importantly, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) up-regulated the expression of p27, but not of p18 and p21, which may be important in regulating the proliferation of activated B cells and their subsequent differentiation. These results indicate that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may play an important role in the maintenance of B cell homeostasis and that the correction of vitamin D deficiency may be useful in the treatment of B cell-mediated autoimmune disorders.     

A difference in the regulation of mRNA expression between the phenotypic and the embryonic alkaline phosphatase genes in human cancer cells

The steady-state levels of mRNAs encoding alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes were examined in two human breast carcinoma cell lines. MDA-MB-157 cells expressed the phenotypic breast alkaline phosphatase and BT20 cells expressed the nonphenotypic placental alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme, frequently reexpressed in neoplasms. Dexamethasone (DEX), which elicits a general effect on phosphatase expression, and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), a promoter of cell differentiation that correspondingly effects embryonic phosphatase expression, were chosen as perturbing agents for these experiments. RNA blot analysis showed a single RNA species of approximately 2.6 kb under all treatment conditions in BT20 cells and a single RNA species of 2.6 kb under each condition in MDA-MB-157 cells. The results showed that the expression of both the AP isoenzyme mRNA phenotypic of breast produced by MDA-MB-157 cells and the embryonic alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (PLAP) mRNA produced by BT20 cells was increased by treatment with DEX. By comparison 1,25(OH)2D3 caused an increase in the tissue-unspecific AP mRNA in the MDA-MB-157 cells, but caused a decrease in PLAP mRNA levels in BT20 cells. The level of each isoenzyme mRNA species is altered by either hormone in a dose- and time-dependent manner in both cell lines. In BT20 cells, treatment with cycloheximide showed that ongoing protein synthesis is not required to potentiate the PLAP mRNA response to DEX, but is required for the action of 1,25(OH)2D3. However, protein synthesis is required for the action of both hormones in the MDA-MB-157 cells which make the breast phenotypic AP. These data demonstrate that the DEX- and 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated expression of both of these alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes occurs via a complex mechanism involving control of mRNA abundance, not translational control of constant message levels.     

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 increases epidermal growth factor receptors and transforming growth factor beta-like activity in a bone-derived cell line

To investigate possible mechanisms through which 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) affects cell proliferation and differentiation, we have studied the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on the binding and mitogenic activity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in RCJ 1.20 cells, an established, non-tumorigenic cell line derived from 21-day-old fetal rat calvaria. 1,25-(OH)2D3 caused a dose- and time-dependent 2- to 3-fold increase in the number of receptors for EGF. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 metabolites of vitamin D3 were ineffective in eliciting changes in EGF binding. Saturation and Scatchard analyses indicated that an increase in available unoccupied high affinity EGF binding sites was responsible for the 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced EGF binding. In addition, 1,25-(OH)2D3 enhanced EGF-dependent growth of RCJ 1.20 cells in soft agar. The potentiation of EGF effects on RCJ 1.20 cell growth by 1,25-(OH)2D3 may be related to the 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulation of EGF binding. However, the induction of anchorage-independent growth by 1,25-(OH)2D3 appears to be due to the stimulation of transforming growth factor beta-like activity. These results provide a possible explanation for the mechanism whereby the effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on cell proliferation and bone metabolism may be mediated.     

Regulation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 metabolism in a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60): 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 stimulates the synthesis of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

The human promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 undergoes macrophage-like differentiation after exposure to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D3. In the current study, we demonstrate that 1,25(OH)2D3 also regulates 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] metabolism in HL-60 cells. The presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the culture medium of HL-60 cells stimulated the conversion of 7-10% of the substrate [25(OH)D3] to a more polar metabolite, which was identified as 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25(OH)2D3] from the elution positions on sequential HPLC systems and the sensitivity to periodate treatment. The HL-60 subclone HL-60 blast, which is unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3 in terms of differentiation, also responded to 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment with the production of 24,25(OH)2D3. Maximal stimulation of 24,25(OH)2D3-synthesis (approximately 7 pmol/5 X 10(6) cells) in HL-60 cells was noted with a 12-h exposure to 10(-9) M 1,25(OH)2D3. The ability of vitamin D3 metabolites other than 1,25(OH)2D3 to induce the synthesis of 24,25(OH)2D3 in HL-60 cells was, with the exception of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, in correlation with their reported affinities for the specific 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor which is present in HL-60 cells. Treatment of HL-60 cells with phorbol diesters abolished the 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness, while treatment with dimethylsulfoxide and interferon gamma did not markedly alter the 25(OH)D3 metabolism of HL-60 cells. Small amounts (approximately 1% of substrate) of two 25(OH)D3 metabolites, which comigrated with 5(E)- and 5(Z)-19-nor-10-keto-25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on two HPLC solvent systems, were synthesized by HL-60 cells, independently from 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment or stage of cell differentiation. Our results indicate that 1,25(OH)2D3 influences 25(OH)D3 metabolism of HL-60 cells independently from its effects on cell differentiation.     

Regulation of human pulmonary surfactant protein gene expression by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] has been reported to stimulate lung maturity, alveolar type II cell differentiation, and pulmonary surfactant synthesis in rat lung. We hypothesized that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) stimulates expression of surfactant protein-A (SP-A), SP-B, and SP-C in human fetal lung and type II cells. We found that immunoreactive vitamin D receptor was detectable in fetal lung tissue and type II cells only when incubated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) significantly decreased SP-A mRNA in human fetal lung tissue but did not significantly decrease SP-A protein in the tissue. In type II cells, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) alone had no significant effect on SP-A mRNA or protein levels but reduced SP-A mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner when the cells were incubated with cAMP. SP-A mRNA levels in NCI-H441 cells, a nonciliated bronchiolar epithelial (Clara) cell line, were decreased in a dose-dependent manner in the absence or presence of cAMP. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) had no significant effect on SP-B mRNA levels in lung tissue but increased SP-B mRNA and protein levels in type II cells incubated in the absence or presence of cAMP. Expression of SP-C mRNA was unaffected by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in lung tissue incubated +/- cAMP. These results suggest that regulation of surfactant protein gene expression in human lung and type II cells by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) is not coordinated; 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) decreases SP-A mRNA and protein levels in both fetal lung tissue and type II cells, increases SP-B mRNA and protein levels only in type II cells, and has no effect on SP-C mRNA levels.     

Expression of mRNAs for type-I collagen, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and osteopontin at different stages of osteoblastic differentiation and their regulation by 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3

We have used in situ hybridization to evaluate the effects of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25 (OH)2 D3) on the expression of mRNA for bone-matrix proteins and to determine whether mature osteoblasts respond differently to 1,25 (OH)2 D3 than younger, newly differentiated osteoblasts. Rat calvaria cells were cultured for 7, 12, 15, and 19 days to obtain a range of nodules from very young to very mature. At each time point, some cultures were treated with 10 nM 1,25 (OH)2 D3 for 24 h prior to fixation. In control cultures, type-I collagen mRNA was detectable in osteoblastic cells in very young nodules and increased with increasing maturity of the nodules and the osteoblasts lining them. The bone sialoprotein mRNA signal was weak in young osteoblasts, increased in older osteoblasts, and decreased in mature osteoblasts. Weak osteocalcin and osteopontin signals were seen only in osteoblasts of intermediate and mature nodules. 1,25 (OH)2 D3 treatment markedly upregulated osteocalcin and osteopontin mRNAs and downregulated mRNA levels of bone sialoprotein and, to a lesser extent, type-I collagen in both young and mature osteoblasts. However, a marked diversity of signal levels for bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and osteopontin existed between neighboring mature osteoblasts, particularly after 1,25 (OH)2 D3 treatment, which may therefore selectively affect mature osteoblasts, depending on their differentiation status or functional stage of activity.     

The expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and osteocalcin in mouse osteoblasts is related to osteoblastic differentiation and is modulated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and thyroid hormones

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), is a key protein of bone matrix degradation, and is highly expressed by osteoblasts. We used the osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cell line and compared the stimulatory effects of the bone resorptive agents 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) 3,3',5-triido-L-thyronine (T3) on the expression of MMP-13 mRNA. We showed that the stimulatory effects were time and dose dependent, and were also transduced to the protein level, with 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)being more potent.MMP-13 expression in different mouse cells and its localization within developing bone from the onset of osteogenesis were also investigated. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)- and T3-regulated osteocalcin (Osc) expression in mouse osteoblasts was compared to hormonal effects on MMP-13 expression and activity. Here we show divergent and common roles of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)and T3 action on the expression of these marker proteins, depending on the stage of cell differentiation. In addition, we propose a role for MMP-13 in the bone collar of developing long bones. The results could help to more precisely characterize hormonal regulation in the developmental sequence of osteoblasts.     

Regulation of cellular adhesion and fibronectin synthesis by 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

We recently reported that the steroid hormone, 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3) can inhibit growth, alter morphology, and increase cell associated and medium concentrations of fibronectin (FN) in MG-63 human osteosarcoma cells (Franceschi, R. T., James, W., and Zerlauth, G. (1985) J. Cell. Physiol. 123, 401-409). In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that 1,25-(OH)2D3 increases cellular adhesion by stimulating FN synthesis. Hormone treatment altered cell morphology and increased cell/substratum adhesion in MG-63 cells, effects which could be mimicked by exogenously added FN. 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent increases in FN production were due to a rapid (within 12 h) increase in FN synthesis. Maximal (2 to 5-fold) stimulation was observed after 48 h. Hormone treatment did not alter apparent FN stability or distribution during this time. The FN response was specific to 1,25-(OH)2D3 when compared with other vitamin D metabolites. In contrast, triamcinolone acetonide, another known inducer of FN synthesis in certain cells, was only slightly stimulatory up to a concentration of 1 microM. FN mRNA, as measured by Northern blot hybridization, increased within 6 h of 1,25-(OH)2D3 addition with maximal (5-fold) induction seen at 24 h. 1,25-(OH)2D3 also stimulated FN synthesis in several other transformed cell lines (TE-85 human osteosarcomas, SW-480 human colon carcinomas, and HL-60 myeloid leukemia cells). These results may be related to known actions of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on cell differentiation and tumor metastasis.     

Molecular mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibition of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells

We have investigated the molecular mechanism whereby 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] inhibits adipogenesis in vitro. 1,25(OH)2D3 blocks 3T3-L1 cell differentiation into adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner; however, the inhibition is ineffective 24-48 h after the differentiation is initiated, suggesting that 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits only the early events of the adipogenic program. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 does not block the mitotic clonal expansion or C/EBPbeta induction; rather, 1,25(OH)2D3 blocks the expression of C/EBPalpha, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, and other downstream adipocyte markers. The inhibition by 1,25(OH)2D3 is reversible, since removal of 1,25(OH)2D3 from the medium restores the adipogenic process with only a temporal delay. Interestingly, although the vitamin D receptor (VDR) protein is barely detectable in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, its levels are dramatically increased during the early phase of adipogenesis, peaking at 4-8 h and subsiding afterward throughout the rest of the differentiation program; 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment appears to stabilize the VDR protein levels. Consistently, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of human (h) VDR in 3T3-L1 cells completely blocks the adipogenic program, confirming that VDR is inhibitory. Inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by 1,25(OH)2D3 is ameliorated by troglitazone, a specific PPARgamma antagonist; conversely, hVDR partially suppresses the transacting activity of PPARgamma but not of C/EBPbeta or C/EBPalpha. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 markedly suppresses C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma mRNA levels in mouse epididymal fat tissue culture. Taken together, these data indicate that the blockade of 3T3-L1 cell differentiation by 1,25(OH)2D3 occurs at the postclonal expansion stages and involves direct suppression of C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma upregulation, antagonization of PPARgamma activity, and stabilization of the inhibitory VDR protein.     

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol modulates 3H-thymidine incorporation in FRTL5 cells.

1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) possesses proliferation and differentiation modulating effects in many cell types in vitro. We studied the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on 3H-thymidine incorporation in FRTL5 cells, a cultured rat thyroid follicular cell line. 1,25(OH)2D3 alone at 10(-11) and 10(-9) M exerted no effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation. However, at 10(-7) M, 1,25(OH)2D3 slightly enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation. In the presence of 5% calf serum, 1,25(OH)2D3 increased 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by calf serum in a dose-dependent manner. 1,25(OH)2D3 also enhanced 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by PMA, an extrinsic stimulator of protein kinase C, without directly affecting PMA-induced protein kinase C translocation. In contrast to the stimulatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on the calf serum and PMA-induced 3H-thymidine incorporation, 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by TSH in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on TSH-induced 3H-thymidine incorporation may be, in part, due to post-cAMP pathways since 1,25(OH)2D3 also inhibited the increase in 3H-thymidine incorporation induced by Bu2cAMP without affecting the TSH-induced increase in cAMP. The stimulatory effect of insulin on 3H-thymidine incorporation, a cAMP-independent process, was also inhibited by 1,25(OH)2D3. We conclude that 1,25(OH)2D3 affects 3H-thymidine incorporation in FRTL5 cells raising the possibility of a physiologic role for 1,25(OH)2D3 in the growth and function of thyroid follicular cells.     

Nuclear lipid microdomains regulate nuclear vitamin D3 uptake and influence embryonic hippocampal cell differentiation

Despite recent advances in the understanding of the role of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) in the CNS, the mechanism of action remains obscure. We demonstrate that some 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) receptor (VDR) is localized in the cell nucleus in specialized microdomains enriched in sphingomyelin and cholesterol; the integrity of these microdomains is necessary for embryonic hippocampal cell differentiation. Sphingomyelinase (SMase) treatment reduces both VDR and labeled 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) content in nuclear microdomains. We have previously shown that HN9.10e embryonic hippocampal cells differentiate when incubated with 100 nM 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum, while serum deprivation induces cell death. In this study, we have investigated whether conditions that alter lipid content of nuclear microdomains modify 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced differentiation. Serum deprivation activates SMase and modifies the composition of nuclear microdomains, which lose the 1,25-(OH)(2) vitamin D(3) receptor. The incubation of serum-deprived cells with 100 nM 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) prevents differentiation. However, treatment with 400 nM 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) during serum withdrawal increases the lipid content of the nuclear microdomains, allows the interaction of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) with its receptor, and results in differentiation. These results suggest the presence of VDR in nuclear microdomains is necessary for 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-induced differentiation in embryonic hippocampal cells.     

Growth-inhibitory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on normal human keratinocytes cultured in serum-free medium

The effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on the growth of normal human keratinocytes cultured in serum-free medium was investigated. 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited the cell growth at 10(-7) M by 75.3% and at 10(-6) M almost completely. The growth inhibition was accompanied by changes related to proliferation: (1) remarkable inhibition of DNA synthesis, (2) the decrease in the number of high-affinity receptors for epidermal growth factor, with almost no change in total receptor number, (3) the rapid decrease in c-myc mRNA level. The inhibition of DNA synthesis and the decrease of c-myc mRNA expression occurred at 3 h after the addition of 1,25(OH)2D3. These results suggest that decrease of c-myc mRNA expression is one of the primary effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the growth inhibition of human keratinocytes.