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As immune defects in amyloid-β (Aβ) phagocytosis and degradation underlie Aβ deposition and inflammation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, better understanding of the relation between Aβ phagocytosis and inflammation could lead to promising preventive strategies. We tested two immune modulators in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AD patients and controls: 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) and resolvin D1 (RvD1). Both 1,25D3 and RvD1 improved phagocytosis of FAM-Aβ by AD macrophages and inhibited fibrillar Aβ-induced apoptosis. The action of 1,25D3 depended on the nuclear vitamin D and the protein disulfide isomerase A3 receptors, whereas RvD1 required the chemokine receptor, GPR32. The activities of 1,25D3 and RvD1 commonly required intracellular calcium, MEK1/2, PKA, and PI3K signaling; however, the effect of RvD1 was more sensitive to pertussis toxin. In this case study, the AD patients: a) showed significant transcriptional up regulation of IL1RN, ITGB2, and NFκB; and b) revealed two distinct groups when compared to controls: group 1 decreased and group 2 increased transcription of TLRs, IL-1, IL1R1 and chemokines. In the PBMCs/macrophages of both groups, soluble Aβ (sAβ) increased the transcription/secretion of cytokines (e.g., IL1 and IL6) and chemokines (e.g., CCLs and CXCLs) and 1,25D3/RvD1 reversed most of the sAβ effects. However, they both further increased the expression of IL1 in the group 1, sβ-treated cells. We conclude that in vitro, 1,25D3 and RvD1 rebalance inflammation to promote Aβ phagocytosis, and suggest that low vitamin D3 and docosahexaenoic acid intake and/or poor anabolic production of 1,25D3/RvD1 in PBMCs could contribute to AD onset/pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) show inflammation in the spinal cord and peripheral blood. The inflammation is driven by stimulation of macrophages by aggregated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) through caspase1, interleukin 1 (IL1), IL6 and chemokine signaling. Inflammatory gene activation is inhibited in vitro by tocilizumab, a humanized antibody to IL6 receptor (IL6R). Tocilizumab inhibits global interleukin-6 (IL6) signaling, a key mechanism in chronic rheumatoid disorders. Here we studied in vivo baseline inflammatory gene transcription in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 10 sALS patients, and the effects of tocilizumab (Actemra(R)) infusions. At baseline, one half of ALS subjects had strong inflammatory activation (Group 1) (8 genes up regulated >4-fold, P<0.05 vs. controls) and the other half (Group 2) had weak activation. All patients showed greater than four-fold up regulation of MMP1, CCL7, CCL13 and CCL24. Tocilizumab infusions in the Group 1 patients resulted in down regulation of inflammatory genes (in particular IL1β), whereas in the Group 2 patients in up regulation of inflammatory genes. Post-infusion serum and CSF concentrations of tocilizumab inhibited caspase1 activation in vitro. Three of 5 patients receiving tocilizumab infusions showed time-limited attenuation of clinical progression. In conclusion, inflammation of sALS patients at baseline is up- or down-regulated in comparison to controls, but is partially normalized by tocilizumab infusions.

UVR produces vitamin D in skin, which is hydroxylated locally to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)). 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) protects skin cells against UVR-induced DNA damage, including thymine dimers, but the mechanism is unknown. As DNA repair is inhibited by nitric oxide (NO) products but facilitated by p53, we examined whether 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) altered the expression of nitrotyrosine, a product of NO, or p53 after UVR in human keratinocytes. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and the nongenomic agonist 1α,25-dihydroxylumisterol(3) reduced nitrotyrosine 16 hours after UVR, detected by a sensitive whole-cell ELISA. p53 was enhanced after UVR, and this was further augmented in the presence of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid), a chloride channel blocker previously shown to prevent 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced chloride currents in osteoblasts, had no effect on thymine dimers on its own but prevented the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced protection against thymine dimers. Independent treatment with DIDS, at concentrations that had no effect on thymine dimers, blocked UVR-induced upregulation of p53. In contrast, reduction of nitrotyrosine remained in keratinocytes treated with 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and DIDS at concentrations shown to block decreases in post-UVR thymine dimers. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced chloride currents help protect from UVR-induced thymine dimers, but further increases in p53 or reductions of nitrotyrosine by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) are unlikely to contribute substantially to this protection.

Purpose: The thermodynamically favored complex between the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) triggers a shift in equilibrium to favor VDR binding to DNA, heterodimerization with the nuclear retinoid x receptor (RXR) and subsequent regulation of gene transcription. The key amino acids and structural requirements governing VDR binding to nuclear coactivators (NCoA) are well defined. Yet very little is understood about the internal changes in amino acid flexibility underpinning the control of ligand affinity, helix 12 conformation and function. Herein, we use molecular dynamics (MD) to study how the backbone and side-chain flexibility of the VDR differs when a) complexed to 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3, agonist) and (23S),25-dehydro-1α(OH)-vitamin D3-26,23-lactone (MK, antagonist); b) residues that form hydrogen bonds with the C25-OH (H305 and H397) of 1,25D3 are mutated to phenylalanine; c) helix 12 conformation is changed and ligand is removed; and d) x-ray water near the C1- and C3-OH groups of 1,25D3 are present or replaced with explicit solvent., Methods: We performed molecular dynamic simulations on the apo- and holo-VDRs and used T-Analyst to monitor the changes in the backbone and side-chain flexibility of residues that form regions of the VDR ligand binding pocket (LBP), NCoA surface and control helix 12 conformation., Results: The VDR-1,25D3 and VDR-MK MD simulations demonstrate that 1,25D3 and MK induce highly similar changes in backbone and side-chain flexibility in residues that form the LBP. MK however did increase the backbone and side-chain flexibility of L404 and R274 respectively. MK also induced expansion of the VDR charge clamp (i.e. NCoA surface) and weakened the intramolecular interaction between H305---V418 (helix 12) and TYR401 (helix 11). In VDR&#95;FF, MK induced a generally more rigid LBP and stronger interaction between F397 and F422 than 1,25D3, and reduced the flexibility of the R274 side-chain. Lastly the VDR MD simulations indicate that R274 can sample multiple conformations in the presence of ligand. When the R274 is extended, the β-OH group of 1,25D3 lies proximal to the backbone carbonyl oxygen of R274 and the side-chain forms H-bonds with hinge domain residues. This differs from the x-ray, kinked geometry, where the side-chain forms an H-bond with the 1α-OH group. Furthermore, 1,25D3, but not MK was observed to stabilize the x-ray geometry of R274 during the > 30 ns MD runs., Conclusions: The MD methodology applied herein provides an in silico foundation to be expanded upon to better understand the intrinsic flexibility of the VDR and better understand key side-chain and backbone movements involved in the bimolecular interaction between the VDR and its' ligands.

Brain clearance of amyloid-β (Aβ42) by innate immune cells is necessary for maintenance of normal brain function. Phagocytosis of soluble Aβ42 by Alzheimer's disease (AD) macrophages is defective, recovered in all "Type I and Type II" AD patients by 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) and blocked by the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonist (23S)-25-dehydro-1α(OH)-vitamin D3-26,23-lactone (MK). Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) is a VDR ligand and additive with 1,25D3 in promoting Aβ42 phagocytosis by Type I, but not by Type II macrophages. Here, we define the following intracellular mechanisms regulated by 1,25D3 that are associated with recovery of phagocytosis and consistent with the selectivity of BDC: 1) 1,25D3 potentiates a 4,4-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2-disulfonic acid-sensitive chloride channel (i.e., ClC-3) currents in both Type I and II AD macrophages, but curcumin only potentiates the currents in Type I cells; 2) 1,25D3 is particularly effective in upregulating ClC-3 mRNA expression in Type II peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) while both 1,25D3 and the BDC analog, C180, upregulate VDR mRNA, repressed by Aβ42 in Type II PBMCs; and 3) 1,25D3-induced Aβ42 phagocytosis is attenuated by the calcium-dependent ClC-3 blocker, inositol 3,4,5,6-tetraphosphate (IP4), in both AD Types and by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 only in Type II macrophages. VDR hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled mass spectrometry and computational results show differences between the abilities of 1,25D3 and curcuminoids to stabilize VDR helices associated with the regulation of gene transcription. The structure-function results provide evidence that 1,25D3 activation of VDR-dependent genomic and nongenomic signaling, work in concert to recover dysregulated innate immune function in AD.

Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have evidence of chronic inflammation demonstrated by infiltration of the gray matter by inflammatory macrophages, IL17A-positive T cells, and mast cells. Increased serum levels of IL6 and IL17A have been detected in sporadic ALS (sALS) patients when compared to healthy controls. Herein we investigate, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the baseline transcription of genes associated with inflammation in sALS and control subjects and the impact of the IL6 receptor (IL6R) antibody (tocilizumab) on the transcription and/or secretion of inflammation factors (e.g. cytokines) stimulated by the apo-G37R superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutant. At baseline, PBMCs of four sALS patients (Group 1) showed significantly increased expression of TLR2 and CD14; ALOX5, PTGS2 and MMP1; IL1α, IL1β, IL6, IL36G, IL8 and TNF; CCL3, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL3 and CXCL5. In four other sALS patients (Group 2), most of the genes just mentioned were expressed at near control levels and a significant decrease in the expression of PPARG, PPARA, RARG, HDAC4 and KAT2B; IL6R, IL6ST and ADAM17; TNFRSF11A; MGAT2 and MGAT3; PLCG1; CXCL3 were detected. Apo-G37R SOD1 up regulated the transcription of cytokines (e.g. IL1α/β, IL6, IL8, IL36G), chemokines (e.g. CCL20; CXCL3, CXCL5), and enzymes (e.g. PTGS2 and MMP1). In vitro, tocilizumab down regulated the transcription of many inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, and receptors, which were up regulated by pathogenic forms of SOD1. Tocilizumab also reduced the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6, TNFα, GM-CSF, IFNγ, and IL17A by Group 1 PBMCs. Finally, sALS patients had significantly higher concentrations of IL6, sIL6R and C-reactive protein in the cerebrospinal fluid when compared to AD patients. This pilot study demonstrates that in vitro tocilizumab suppresses many factors that drive inflammation in sALS patients, with possible increased efficacy in Group 1 ALS patients.

Although the cause of neuronal degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains hypothetical, there is evidence of spinal cord infiltration by macrophages and T cells. In post-mortem ALS spinal cords, 19.8 ± 4.8 % motor neurons, including caspase-negative and caspase-positive neurons, were ingested by IL-6- and TNF-α-positive macrophages. In ALS macrophages, in vitro aggregated superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1) stimulated in ALS macrophages expression of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, through activation of cyclooxy-genase-2 (COX-2) and caspase-1. The lipid mediator resolvin D1 (RvD1) inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α production in ALS macrophages with 1,100 times greater potency than its parent molecule docosahexaenoic acid. ALS peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed increased transcription of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines at baseline and after stimulation by aggregated wild-type SOD-1, and these cytokines were down regulated by RvD1. Thus the neurons are impacted by macrophages expressing inflammatory cytokines. RvD1 strongly inhibits in ALS macrophages and PBMCs cytokine transcription and production. Resolvins offer a new approach to suppression of inflammatory activation in ALS.

We have postulated that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) contains two overlapping ligand binding sites, a genomic pocket and an alternative pocket (AP), that mediate regulation of gene transcription and rapid responses, respectively. Flexible VDR + ligand docking calculations predict that the major blood metabolite, 25(OH)-vitamin D(3) (25D3), and curcumin (CM) bind more selectively to the VDR-AP when compared with the seco-steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) (1,25D3). In VDR wild-type-transfected COS-1 cells and TM4 Sertoli cells, 1,25D3, 25D3, and CM each trigger voltage-gated, outwardly rectifying chloride channel (ORCC) currents that can be blocked by the VDR antagonist 1β,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) and the chloride channel antagonist (4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid). VDR mutational analysis in transfected COS-1 cells demonstrate the DNA-binding domain is not, but the ligand binding and hinge domains of the VDR are, required for 1,25D3 and 25D3 to activate the ORCC. Dose-response studies demonstrate that 25D3 and 1,25D3 are approximately equipotent in stimulating ORCC rapid responses, whereas 1 nm 1,25D3 was 1000-fold more potent than 25D3 and CM in stimulating gene expression. The VDR-AP agonist effects of 1,25D3, 25D3, and low-dose CM are lost after pretreatment of TM4 cells with VDR small interfering RNA. Collectively, these results are consistent with an essential role for the VDR-AP in initiating the signaling required for rapid opening of ORCC. The fact that 25D3 is equipotent to 1,25D3 in opening ORCC suggests that reconsideration of the ability of 25D3 to generate biological responses in vivo may be in order.

TEI-9647 antagonizes vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediated genomic actions of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 in human cells but is agonistic in rodent cells. The presence of Cys403, Cys410 or of both residues in the C-terminal region of human VDR (hVDR) results in antagonistic action of this compound. In the complexes of TEI-9647 with wild-type hVDR (hVDRwt) and H397F hVDR, TEI-9647 functions as an antagonist and forms a covalent adduct with hVDR according to MALDI-TOF MS. The crystal structures of complexes of TEI-9647 with rat VDR (rVDR), H305F hVDR and H305F/H397F hVDR showed that the agonistic activity of TEI-9647 is caused by a hydrogen-bond interaction with His397 or Phe397 located in helix 11. Both biological activity assays and the crystal structure of H305F hVDR complexed with TEI-9647 showed that the interaction between His305 and TEI-9647 is crucial for antagonist activity. This study indicates the following stepwise mechanism for TEI-9647 antagonism. Firstly, TEI-9647 forms hydrogen bonds to His305, which promote conformational changes in hVDR and draw Cys403 or Cys410 towards the ligand. This is followed by the formation of a 1,4-Michael addition adduct between the thiol (-SH) group of Cys403 or Cys410 and the exo-methylene group of TEI-9647.

Molecular modeling results indicate that the VDR contains two overlapping ligand binding pockets (LBP). Differential ligand stability and fractional occupancy of the two LBP has been physiochemically linked to the regulation of VDR-dependent genomic and non-genomic cellular responses. The purpose of this report is to develop an unbiased molecular modeling protocol that serves as a good starting point in simulating the dynamic interaction between 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25D3) and the VDR LBP. To accomplish this goal, the flexible docking protocol developed allowed for flexibility in the VDR ligand and the VDR atoms that form the surfaces of the VDR LBP. This approach blindly replicated the 1,25D3 conformation and side-chain dynamics observed in the VDR X-ray structure. The results are also consistent with the previously published tenants of the vitamin D sterol (VDS)-VDR conformational ensemble model. Furthermore, we used flexible docking in combination with whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and steroid competition assays to demonstrate that (a) new non-vitamin D VDR ligands show a different pocket selectivity when compared to 1,25D3 that is qualitatively consistent with their ability to stimulate chloride channels and (b) a new route of ligand binding provides a novel hypothesis describing the structural nuances that underlie hypercalceamia.

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation causes DNA damage in skin cells, immunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis. 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D) reduces UV-induced DNA damage in the form of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in human keratinocytes in culture and in mouse and human skin. UV-induced immunosuppression is also reduced in mice by 1,25D, in part due to the reduction in CPD and a reduction in interleukin (IL-6. The cis-locked analog, 1alpha,25-dihydroxylumisterol3 (JN), which has almost no transactivating activity, reduces UV-induced DNA damage, apoptosis and immunosuppression with similar potency to 1,25D, consistent with a non-genomic signalling mechanism. The mechanism of the reduction in DNA damage in the form of CPD is unclear. 1,25D doubles nuclear expression of p53 compared to UV alone, which suggests that 1,25D facilitates DNA repair. Yet expression of a key DNA repair gene, XPG is not affected by 1,25D. Chemical production of CPD has been described. Incubation of keratinocytes with a nitric oxide donor, SNP, induces CPD in the dark. We previously reported that 1,25D reduced UV-induced nitrite in keratinocytes, similar to aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. A reduction in reactive nitrogen species has been shown to facilitate DNA repair, but in view of these findings may also reduce CPD formation via a novel mechanism., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Sertoli cell secretory activities are highly dependent on ion channel functions and critical to spermatogenesis. The steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2-D3) stimulates exocytosis in different cell systems by activating a nongenotropic vitamin D receptor (VDR). Here, we described 1,25(OH)2-D3 stimulation of secretion via Cl(-) channel activation in the mouse immature Sertoli cell line TM4. 1,25(OH)2-D3 potentiation of chloride currents was dependent on hormone concentration, and correlated with a significant increase in whole-cell capacitance within 20-40 min. In addition, Cl(-) currents were potentiated by the nongenomic VDR agonist 1alpha,25(OH)2 lumisterol D3 (JN), while 1,25(OH)2-D3 potentiation of channels was suppressed by nongenomic VDR antagonist 1beta,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (HL). Treatment of TM4 cells with PKC and PKA activators PMA and forskolin respectively, increased Cl(-) currents significantly, while PKC and PKA inhibitors Go6983 and H-89, respectively, abolished 1,25(OH)2-D3 stimulation of Cl(-) currents, suggesting phosphorylation pathways in 1,25(OH))2-D3 mediated channel responses. RT-PCR demonstrated the expression of outwardly rectifying ClC-3 channels in TM4 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate a PKA/PKC-dependent 1,25(OH)2-D3/VDR nongenotropic pathway leading to Cl(-) channel and exocytosis activation in Sertoli cells. We conclude that 1,25(OH)2-D3 appears to be a modulator of male reproductive functions at least in part by stimulating Sertoli cell secretory functions., (2010. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

(23S)-25-Dehydro-1alpha(OH)-vitamin D(3)-26,23-lactone (MK) is an antagonist of the 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) (1,25D)/human nuclear vitamin D receptor (hVDR) transcription initiation complex, where the activation helix (i.e. helix-12) is closed. To study the mode of antagonism of MK an hVDR mutant library was designed to alter the free molecular volume in the region of the hVDR ligand binding pocket occupied by the ligand side-chain atoms (i.e. proximal to helix-12). The 1,25D-hVDR structure-function studies demonstrate that 1) van der Waals contacts between helix-12 residues Leu-414 and Val-418 and 1,25D enhance the stability of the closed helix-12 conformer and 2) removal of the side-chain H-bonds to His-305(F) and/or His-397(F) have no effect on 1,25D transactivation, even though they reduce the binding affinity of 1,25D. The MK structure-function results demonstrate that the His-305, Leu-404, Leu-414, and Val-418 mutations, which increase the free volume of the hVDR ligand binding pocket, significantly enhance MK antagonist potency. Surprisingly, the H305F and H305F/H397F mutations turn MK into a VDR superagonist (EC(50) approximately 0.05 nm) but do not concomitantly alter MK binding affinity. Molecular modeling studies demonstrate that MK antagonism stems from its side chain energetically preferring a pose in the VDR ligand binding pocket where its terminal C26-methylene atom is far removed from helix-12. MK superagonism results from an energetically favored increase in interaction between Leu-404/Val-418 and C26, resulting in an increase in the stability and population of the closed, helix-12 conformer. Finally, the results/model generated, coupled with application of a VDR ensemble allosterics model, provide an understanding for the species specificity of MK.

Steroid hormones serve as chemical messengers in a wide number of species and target tissues by transmitting signals that result in both genomic and nongenomic responses. Genomic responses are mediated by the formation of a ligand-receptor complex with its cognate steroid hormone nuclear receptor (NR). Nongenomic responses can be mediated at the plasma membrane by a membrane-localized NR. The focus of this Review is on the structural attributes and molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D sterol (VDS)-vitamin D receptor (VDR) selective and stereospecific regulation of nongenomic and genomic signaling. The VDS-VDR conformational ensemble model describes how VDSs can selectively initiate or block either nongenomic or genomic biological responses by interacting with two VDR ligand-binding pockets, one kinetically favored by 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) (1,25D) and the other thermodynamically favored. We describe the variables that affect the three major elements of the model: the conformational flexibility of the unliganded (apo) protein, the flexibility of the VDS, and the physicochemical selectivity of the VDR genomic pocket (VDR-GP) and alternative pocket (VDR-AP). We also discuss how these three factors collectively provide a rational explanation for the complexities of VDS regulation of cell biology and highlight the current limitations of the model.

Recently, we have developed a Vitamin D sterol (VDS)-VDR conformational ensemble model. This model can be broken down into three individual, yet interlinked parts: (a) the conformationally flexible VDS, (b) the apo/holo-VDR helix-12 (H12) conformational ensemble, and (c) the presence of two VDR ligand binding pockets (LBPs); one thermodynamically favored (the genomic pocket, G-pocket) and the other kinetically favored by VDSs (the alternative pocket, A-pocket). One focus of this study is to use directed VDR mutagenesis to (1) demonstrate H12 is stabilized in the transcriptionally active closed conformation (hVDR-c1) by three salt-bridges that span the length of H12 (cationic residues R154, K264 and R402), (2) to elucidate the VDR trypsin sites [R173 (hVDR-c1), K413 (hVDR-c2) and R402 (hVDR-c3)] and (3) demonstrate the apo-VDR H12 equilibrium can be shifted. The other focus of this study is to apply the model to generate a mechanistic understanding to discrepancies observed in structure-function data obtained with a variety of 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) (1,25D) A-ring and side-chain analogs, and side-chain metabolites. We will demonstrate that these structure-function conundrums can be rationalized, for the most part by focusing on alterations in the VDS conformational flexibility and the elementary interaction between the VDS and the VDR A- and G-pockets, relative to the control, 1,25D.

The steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-Vitamin D(3) (1,25D) activates both genomic and non-genomic intracellular signaling cascades. It is also well recognized that co-incubation of 1,25D with its C-1 epimer, 1beta,25D (HL), suppresses the efficiency of the non-genomic signal activated by 1,25D alone and that its C-3 epimer, 3alpha-1,25D (HJ) is nearly as potent as 1,25D in suppressing PTH secretion, believed to be propagated by 1,25D's genomic signaling. Both these sterols lack the hypercalcemic effect induced by pharmacological doses of 1,25D and have reduced VDR affinity compared to 1,25D, as measured in a steroid competition assay. Recent functional studies suggest that the VDR is required for both non-genomic and genomic signaling. Along these lines we have recently proposed a Vitamin D sterol/VDR conformational ensemble model that posits the VDR contains two distinct, yet overlapping ligand binding sites, and that the potential differential stabilities of 1,25D and HL in these two pockets can be used to explain their different non-genomic signaling properties. The overlapping region is predominantly occupied by the sterol's A-ring when it is bound to either the genomic ligand binding pocket (G-pocket), defined by X-ray crystallography, or the alternative ligand binding pocket (A-pocket), discovered using in silico techniques (directed docking). Therefore, to gain further insight into the potential application of this model we docked the other A-ring diastereomer [(1beta,3alpha)=HH] of 1,25D and its 1- and 3-deoxy forms (25D and CF, respectively) to the A- and G-pockets to assess their potential stabilities in the pockets, relative to 1,25D. The models were then used to provide putative mechanistic arguments for their known structure-function experimental results. This model may provide new insights into how Vitamin D sterols that uncouple the unwanted hypercalcemic effect from attractive growth inhibitory/differentiation properties can do so by differentially stabilizing different subpopulations of VDR conformational ensemble members.

Over the past 20 years much has been learned about the cellular actions of the steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 (1,25D). Perhaps most importantly structure-function studies led to the discovery that different chemical and physical features of 1,25D are preferred to initiate either exonuclear, non-genomic or endonuclear, genomic cellular signaling. It is well documented that both a 1alpha-OH and 25-OH, and a 6-s-trans, bowl-shaped, sterol conformation are absolutely required for efficient gene transcription, while 6-s-cis locked analogs and 1-deoxy, 25(OH)D3 metabolites activate a variety of non-genomic, rapid responses. These results and the observation that S237 (helix-3; H3) and R274 (H5) are the most static residues in the human 1,25D-Vitamin D receptor (VDR) X-ray construct (see B-values in pdb: 1DB1) and form H-bonds with the 1alpha-OH of 1,25D in the X-ray, genomic pocket (G-pocket), provided the basis for the molecular modeling experiments that led to the discovery of a putative VDR alternative ligand binding pocket (A-pocket). The conformational ensemble model generated from the in silico results provides an explanation for how the VDR can function as a receptor propagating both genomic and non-genomic signaling events. In this report the theoretical gating properties controlling ligand access to the A- and G-pockets will be compared and the model will be used to provide a molecular explanation for the confusing structure-function results pertaining to 1,25D, its side-chain metabolite, 23S,25R-1alpha,25(OH)2-D3-26,23-lactone (BS), and its synthetic two side-chain analog, 21-(3'-hydroxy-3'-methylbutyl)-1alpha,25(OH)2-D3 (KH or Gemini). In addition, evidence that the model is consistent with the pH requirement for Vitamin D sterol-VDR crystallization will be presented.

We synthesized all eight possible A-ring diastereomers of 2-methyl substituted analogs of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1alpha,25(OH)2D3] and also all eight A-ring diastereomers of 2-methyl-20-epi-1alpha,25(OH)2D3. Their biological activities, especially the antagonistic effect on non-genomic pathway-mediated responses induced by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 or its 6-s-cis-conformer analog, 1alpha,25(OH)2-lumisterol3, were assessed using an NB4 cell differentiation system. Antagonistic activity was observed for the 1beta-hydroxyl diastereomers, including 2beta-methyl-1beta,25(OH)2D3 and 2beta-methyl-3-epi-1beta,25(OH)2D3. Very interestingly, 2beta-methyl-3-epi-1alpha,25(OH)2D3 also antagonized the non-genomic pathway, despite its 1alpha-hydroxyl group. Other 1alpha-hydroxyl diastereomers did not show antagonistic activity. 20-epimerization diminished the antagonistic effect of all of these analogs on the non-genomic pathway. These findings suggested that the combination of the 2-methyl substitution of the A-ring and 20-epimerization of the side chain could alter the biological activities in terms of antagonism of non-genomic pathway-mediated biological response. Based on a previous report, 2-methyl substitution alters the equilibrium of the A-ring conformation between the alpha- and beta-chair conformers. The 2beta-methyl diastereomers, which exhibited antagonism on non-genomic pathway-mediated response, were considered to prefer the beta-conformer. Further examination to elucidate the relationship between the altered ligand shape and receptors interaction will be important for molecular level understanding of the mechanism of antagonism of the non-genomic pathway.

Structural and molecular studies have shown that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 gene transactivation. Recent evidence indicates that both VDR and the estrogen receptor are localized to plasma membrane caveolae and are required for initiation of nongenomic (NG) responses. Computer docking of the NG-specific 1alpha,25(OH)2-lumisterol to the VDR resulted in identification of an alternative ligand-binding pocket that partially overlaps the genomic pocket described in the experimentally determined x-ray structure. Data obtained from docking five different vitamin D sterols in the genomic and alternative pockets were used to generate a receptor conformational ensemble model, providing an explanation for how VDR and possibly the estrogen receptor can have genomic and NG functionality. The VDR model is compatible with the following: (i) NG chloride channel agonism and antagonism; (ii) variable ligand-stabilized trypsin digest banding patterns; and (iii) differential transcriptional activity, employing different VDR point mutants and 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 analogs., (Copyright 2004 The National Academy of Sciencs of the USA)

The seco-steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) (1,25-D(3)) is known to generate biological responses via both genomic and non-genomic rapid signal transduction pathways. The calcium regulated annexin II/p11 heterotetramer (AII(2)/p11(2)] was proposed by Baran and co-authors to be the membrane receptor responsible for mediating non-genomic, rapid actions of 1,25-D(3), based on ligand affinity labeling, competition, and saturation analysis experiments. Given the cytosolic presence of both the monomeric and heterotetrameric form of AII and their functional regulation by intracellular calcium concentrations, which are known to be affected by 1,25-D(3) rapid, non-genomic activities, we investigated in vitro the affinity of [(3)H]1,25-D(3) for the AII monomer and AII(2)/p11(2) in the absence and presence of calcium using saturation analysis and gel-filtration chromatography. Using two different techniques for separating bound from free ligand (perchlorate and hydroxylapatite (HAP)) over a series of 30 experiments, no evidence for specific binding of [(3)H]1,25-D(3) was obtained with or without the presence of 700 nM exogenous calcium, using either the AII monomer or AII(2)/p11(2). However saturable binding of [(3)H]1,25-D(3) to the lipid raft/caveolae enriched rat intestinal fraction was consistently observed (K(d) = 3.0 nM; B(max) = 45 fmols/mg total protein). AII was detected in lipid raft/caveolae enriched fractions from rat and mouse intestine and ROS 17/2.8 and NB4 cells by Western blot, but incubation in the presence of exogenous calcium did not ablate 1,25-D(3) binding as reported by Baran et al. Our results suggest that AII does not bind 1,25-D(3) in a physiologically relevant manner; however, recent studies linking AII(2)/p11(2) phosphorylation to vesicle fusion and its calcium regulated localization may make AII a possible down-stream substrate for 1,25-D(3) induced rapid cellular effects., (Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

It has become readily apparent to many scientists and pharmaceutical companies that the vitamin D endocrine system offers a wide array of drug development opportunities. There are already successes, as noted by 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 (Roche, and Abbott) for renal osteodystrophy and osteoporosis and 1alpha(OH)D3 (Leo, Chugai, Teijin) for renal osteodystrophy and (in Japan) osteoporosis, 1alpha,24(OH)2-24-cyclopropyl-D3 (Dovonex) and 1alpha,24(OH)2D3 (Teijin) for psoriasis, and 19-nor-1alpha,25(OH)2D2 (Abbott) for renal osteodystrophy, as well as drugs under active development. Yet there are still many important and challenging drug development frontiers, particularly in the area of cancer treatment and immune system disorders where exploration is only in the initial early stages. In addition, the application of vitamin D-related drugs in neurology and brain pathology should not be overlooked. It is to be hoped that the cellular and molecular basis for the vexing problem of analog-induced hypercalcemia will be elucidated. Given that there are believed to be over 2000 analogs of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 already available for consideration, it is to be expected that over the next decade a significant number of new vitamin D structure-function drug development projects will be brought to conclusion.

The steroid hormone 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)-vitamin D(3) [1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] mediates through its widely distributed nuclear receptor (VDR(nuc)) regulation of gene transcription (genomic responses) and through a putative membrane receptor (VDR(mem)) a variety of rapid responses. Rapid responses studied in our laboratories include opening of voltage-gated calcium and chloride channels in ROS 17/2.8 osteoblast cells, activation of MAP-kinase in human leukemia NB4 cells and chick intestinal cells, release of insulin by rat pancreatic beta-cells, and in chick duodena transcaltachia (the rapid hormonal stimulation of intestinal Ca(2+) transport). 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) is conformationally flexible (side chain, seco B-ring and A-ring) and accordingly is able to generate a large array of different shapes to serve as ligands for available receptors (VDR(nuc) and VDR(mem)) in the vitamin D endocrine system. Our laboratories have utilized a number of conformationally restricted analogs of 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) (from a library of several hundred analogs) to evaluate the preferred shape of the ligands for rapid and genomic responses. The determination of the X-ray structure of the 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)-occupied VDR(nuc) revealed that the preferred ligand shape was a twisted 6-s-trans bowl shape [Molecular Cell 5 (2000) 173-179]. Optimal agonists for genomic responses include 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) and other side chain conformationally flexible analogs such as 20-epi-1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) [approximately equal to 200-500-fold more potent than 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3)] and 21-(3'-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) [an analog with two side chains] all which can achieve the preferred VDR(nuc) shape. In contrast, rapid responses require a 6-s-cis shape of the agonist ligand such as can be achieved by the natural hormone 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) or by analogs permanently locked in the 6-s-cis shape such as 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)lumisterol(3) or 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)-7-dehydrocholesterol. Additionally, we have discovered analogs that are specific in their antagonist properties for either rapid or genomic responses. Thus, 1 beta,25(OH)(2)D(3) is an antagonist of only rapid responses [via the VDR(mem)], while 23S-25-dehydro-1 alpha,25(OH)D(3)-26,23-lactone is an antagonist of only nuclear responses [via the VDR(nuc)]. In conclusion, we have presented evidence that 1 alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) mediated rapid response and genomic response signal transduction pathways utilize differing shapes of ligand, both as agonists and antagonists.