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The rapid, nongenomic effects of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 have been related to a 1,25D3-membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding protein or 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp, with a molecular weight of 65 kDa, in several tissues and species. Currently, no information is available concerning the nongenomic responses to 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in dental tissues. In order to investigate the expression of 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp in dental cells, in the presence or absence of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3, we have used rabbit polyclonal antibodies directed against the N-terminus of the 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp (Ab099) that recognizes the 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 binding protein in chick intestinal basolateral membranes and a mouse odontoblast-like cell line (MO6-G3). Western blotting and flow cytometric analyses with Ab099 specifically detected 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp in MO6-G3 cells. Moreover, 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp was up-regulated, in vivo, in differentiated dental cells. Electron microscopic analysis confirmed the plasma membrane localization of this binding protein and also showed its intracellular presence. Incubation of MO6-G3 cells with different doses of 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 for 36 h resulted in an inhibition of 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp expression with a maximal effect at 50 nM steroid. In addition, the culture media of MO6-G3 cells contains immunoreactive 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp. Immunogold positive membrane vesicle-like structures are present in the extracellular matrix of MO6-G3 cells. Altogether, these results indicate that the 1,25D3-[MARRS]bp expression in MO6-G3 cells is modulated by 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3. In conclusion, this 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 binding protein could play an important role in the rapid, nongenomic responses to 1alpha,25-(OH)2D3 in dental cells., (2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The unique hereditary enamel defect clearly related to the disturbance of one enamel matrix protein is X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), in which several mutations of amelogenin gene have been identified. The clinical phenotype of many of these subjects shows similarities with enamel defects related to rickets. Therefore, we hypothesized that rachitic dental dysplasia is related to disturbances in the amelogenin pathway. In order to test this hypothesis, combined qualitative and quantitative studies in experimental vitamin D-deficient (-D) rat model systems were performed. First, Western blot analysis of microdissected enamel matrix (secretion and maturation stages) showed no clear evidence of dysregulation of amelogenin protein processing in -D rats as compared with the controls. Second, the ultrastructural investigation permitted identification of the internal tissular defect of rachitic enamel, the irregular absence of intraprismatic enamel observed in -D animals, suggesting a possible link between prism morphogenesis and vitamin D. In addition, the steady-state levels of amelogenin mRNAs measured in microdissected dental cells was decreased in -D rats and up-regulated by an unique injection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)). The present study shows evidences that amelogenin expression is regulated by vitamin D. This is the first study of an hormonal regulation of tooth-specific genes., (Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The basic features on the vitamin D endocrine system, synthesis of the main metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25) and its genomic action mediated via the vitamin D receptor (VDR), are reviewed. Calbindin-D9k, calbindin-D28k and osteocalcin are presented as the most-extensively investigated vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding proteins. The action of 1,25 on the basic process of proliferation and differentiation is introduced. Then, the basis of the systemic theory of vitamin D action on teeth (clinical and experimental data and the dissimilar distribution of VDR and of potential vitamin D-dependent proteins in dental cells) are exposed. Finally, the data obtained with calbindin-D9k, calbindin-D28k, osteocalcin and VDR, which supports the theory that ameloblasts and odontoblasts are target-cells for 1,25 is presented. As a perspective, a cross-survey of the 1,25 and tooth-related literature is proposed which may indicate potential target-genes for 1,25 in teeth as done previously for calbindins-D.

To investigate the extent of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] action and its relationships to calbindin gene expression in mineralized tissues, we have analyzed rat incisors with different probes, including a vitamin D receptor (VDR) antibody and specific cDNAs to rat calbindin-D9K and calbindin-D28K. Developmental and hormonal controls of calbindin gene expression were investigated by Northern blot analysis of ameloblast and odontoblast mRNA. Distribution and hormone-induced changes of VDR were also studied by light microscopic immunocytochemistry. A differential tissue- and stage-specific expression of the calbindin genes was observed in microdissected portions of the continuously erupting incisor. The two calbindins were expressed in ameloblasts, whereas only calbindin-D28K was expressed in odontoblasts. Moreover, in ameloblasts, expression of calbindin-D28K preceded that of calbindin-D9K. Immunoreactivity for VDR was present in all progenitor cells and progressively decreased during the differentiation process, whereas, in differentiated tissues, a hormonal upregulation was restricted to hard tissue-forming cells, i.e., ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Furthermore, calbindin gene expression appeared to be regulated by 1,25(OH)2D3. Taken together, these data indicate that ameloblasts and odontoblasts are target cells for 1,25(OH)2D3 and provide the first insights into the hormonal control of tooth genes during development.

This report presents evidence for the presence of the vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein, calbindin-D9K, in bone cells and matrix. In undecalcified frozen sections of growing and adult rat bone, calbindin-D9K was immunohistochemically localized in trabecular bone of the epiphysis and metaphysis and in cortical bone of the diaphysis. It was found within the cytoplasm of osteocytes, of osteoblasts lining the osteoid, and osteoblasts inside the osteoid seams. It was also found in the osteoblast processes and the anastomosed reticulum of the processes connecting the osteocytes with each other. Extracellularly, calbindin-D9K immunoreactivity was present in compact cortical bone in the areas of the mineralized matrix surrounding the osteocyte lacunae, and in the pericanalicular walls containing the cell processes. Calbindin-D9K immunoreactivity was low or absent from the cytoplasm of osteocytes in trabecular bone from severely vitamin D-deficient rats and restored in vitamin D-deficient rats given a single dose of 1,25(OH)2-VitD3. Thus, the synthesis of immunoreactive calbindin-D9K by osteoblasts and osteocytes in trabecular bone is vitamin D-dependent. The presence of immunoreactive calbindin-D9K in the osteocytes and their cell processes suggests that this calcium-binding protein is involved in the calcium fluxes regulating bone calcium homeostasis. Its localization in osteoblasts involved in bone formation and in their cell processes suggests that it has a role in the calcium transport from these cells towards the sites of active bone mineralization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)