Transforming growth factor-beta 1 modulates the effect of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on leukemic cells

CD69 is a TGF-β/1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 target gene in monocytes

CD69 is a transmembrane lectin that can be expressed on most hematopoietic cells. In monocytes, it has been functionally linked to the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in which the leukotrienes, a class of highly potent inflammatory mediators, are produced. However, regarding CD69 gene expression and its regulatory mechanisms in monocytes, only scarce data are available. Here, we report that CD69 mRNA expression, analogous to that of 5-lipoxygenase, is induced by the physiologic stimuli transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) in monocytic cells. Comparison with T- and B-cell lines showed that the effect was specific for monocytes. CD69 expression levels were increased in a concentration-dependent manner, and kinetic analysis revealed a rapid onset of mRNA expression, indicating that CD69 is a primary TGF-β/1α,25(OH)2D3 target gene. PCR analysis of different regions of the CD69 mRNA revealed that de novo transcription was initiated and proximal and distal parts were induced concomitantly. In common with 5-lipoxygenase, no activation of 0.7 kb or ∼2.3 kb promoter fragments by TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 could be observed in transient reporter assays for CD69. Analysis of mRNA stability using a transcription inhibitor and a 3'UTR reporter construct showed that TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 do not influence CD69 mRNA stability. Functional knockdown of Smad3 clearly demonstrated that upregulation of CD69 mRNA, in contrast to 5-LO, depends on Smad3. Comparative studies with different inhibitors for mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) revealed that MAPK signalling is involved in CD69 gene regulation, whereas 5-lipoxygenase gene expression was only partly affected. Mechanistically, we found evidence that CD69 gene upregulation depends on TAK1-mediated p38 activation. In summary, our data indicate that CD69 gene expression, conforming with 5-lipoxygenase, is regulated monocyte-specifically by the physiologic stimuli TGF-β and 1α,25(OH)2D3 on mRNA level, although different mechanisms account for the upregulation of each gene.

Enhancement by other compounds of the anti-cancer activity of vitamin D(3) and its analogs

Differentiation therapy holds promise as an alternative to cytotoxic drug therapy of cancer. Among compounds under scrutiny for this purpose is the physiologically active form of vitamin D(3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), and its chemically modified derivatives. However, the propensity of vitamin D(3) and its analogs to increase the levels of serum calcium has so far precluded their use in cancer patients except for limited clinical trials. This article summarizes the range of compounds that have been shown to increase the differentiation-inducing and antiproliferative activities of vitamin D(3) and its analogs, and discusses the possible mechanistic basis for this synergy in several selected combinations. The agents discussed include those that have differentiation-inducing activity of their own that is increased by combination with vitamin D(3) or analogs, such as retinoids or transforming growth factor-beta and plant-derived compounds and antioxidants, such as curcumin and carnosic acid. Among other compounds discussed here are dexamethasone, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and inhibitors of cytochrome P450 enzymes, for example, ketoconazole. Thus, recent data illustrate that there are extensive, but largely unexplored, opportunities to develop combinatorial, differentiation-based approaches to chemoprevention and chemotherapy of human cancer.

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 induced growth inhibition of PC-3 prostate cancer cells requires an active transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer growth inhibition by 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) is best characterized in the androgen dependent LNCaP cell line, where treatment with this hormone causes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. 1,25(OH)2D3 also inhibits the growth of PC-3 prostate cancer cells, but not through the induction of G1 arrest or apoptosis. In this study, we have sought to elucidate the mechanism/s involved in PC-3 cell growth inhibition by 1,25(OH)2D3.

EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

We determined the effect of transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) blocking antibodies on 1,25(OH)2D3 mediated growth inhibition of PC-3 cells. In addition, we also studied the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 on TGFbeta signaling and receptor expression. Finally, we assessed the role of TGFbeta signaling in the induction of the growth inhibitory protein, insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), by 1,25(OH)2D3.

RESULTS

We find that 1,25(OH)2D3 action in PC-3 cells is mediated through at least two distinct pathways, the TGFbeta pathway and the IGFBP-3 pathway. We show that 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment elevates TGFbeta production and signaling, as well as receptor levels, in PC-3 cells. Further, using a blocking antibody against TGFbeta substantially reduces 1,25(OH)2D3 mediated growth inhibition without affecting IGFBP-3 induction, suggesting that IGFBP-3, alone, is insufficient to inhibit the growth of PC-3 cells.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 signaling contributes to Caco-2 cell growth inhibition induced by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)

Growth of Caco-2 and many cancer cells is inhibited by 1,25(OH)(2)D(3). Whereas TGF-beta 1 inhibits normal colonic epithelial cell growth, most human colon cancer-derived cells, including Caco-2 and SW480 cells, are resistant to it. The mechanisms underlying these antiproliferative actions and resistance to TGF-beta growth inhibition are largely unknown. We observed that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)] sensitized Caco-2 and SW480 cells to TGF-beta 1 growth inhibitory effects. Versus 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) alone, the combination of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and TGF-beta 1 significantly reduced cell numbers. Also, the amount of active TGF-beta 1 was increased (~4-fold) by this secosteroid in conditioned media from Caco-2 cells. The 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) increased the expression of IGF-II receptors (IGF-IIR), which facilitated activation of latent TGF-beta 1, and was found to activate TGF-beta signaling in Caco-2 cells. By using neutralizing antibodies to human TGF-beta 1, we showed that this cytokine contributes to secosteroid-induced inhibition of Caco-2 cell growth. Also, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was found to enhance the type I TGF-beta receptor mRNA and protein abundance in Caco-2 cells. Whereas the 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-induced sensitization of Caco-2 cells to TGF-beta 1 was IGF-IIR independent, the type I TGF-beta 1 receptor was required for this sensitization. Thus 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment of Caco-2 cells results in activation of latent TGF-beta 1, facilitated by the enhanced expression of IGF-IIR by this secosteroid. Also, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) sensitized Caco-2 cells to growth inhibitory effects of TGF-beta 1, contributing to the inhibition of Caco-2 cell growth by this secosteroid.

Inhibition of p70(S6) kinase during transforming growth factor-beta 1/vitamin D(3)-induced monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells allows tumor necrosis factor-alpha to stimulate plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis

We investigated intracellular mechanisms involved in the up-regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor I (PAI-1) synthesis by human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) during monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells triggered by the transforming growth factor-beta1/vitamin D(3) (TGF/D3) mixture. TGF/D3-treated cells expressed surface monocytic markers and produced noticeable amounts of PAI-1 but stopped to proliferate. A reduced p70 S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) phosphorylation was also observed and, in this situation, TNF dramatically enhanced PAI-1 synthesis. Similarly, TNF significantly up-regulated PAI-1 synthesis when p70(S6K) phosphorylation was inhibited by rapamycin. This phenomenon was not due to a general decrease in protein synthesis but involved the activation of gene transcription rather than PAI-1 mRNA stabilization. The level of the transcriptional regulator factor E2F1, a repressor of PAI-1 gene expression, was shown to be down-modulated in TGF/D3- as well as in rapamycin-treated cells. Furthermore, the apoptotic effect of TNF in HL-60 cells appeared to be prevented by the addition of either TGF/D3 or rapamycin. In conclusion, these results indicate that inhibition of p70(S6K) phosphorylation during TGF/D3-induced monocyte differentiation of HL-60 cells is a determinant factor that allows TNF to exert its up-regulating effect on PAI-1 synthesis while protecting cells from apoptosis.

New vitamin D receptor agonists with decreased metabolic stability

The aim of the study was the development of vitamin D receptor agonists with decreased metabolic stability for the topical treatment of psoriasis and related hyperproliferative skin diseases. Calcitriol analogues 1, 2, 3, all of which contain modifications in the side chain, were synthesized. The obtained analogues were full agonists when the induction of CD14 expression in HL-60 cells, the induction of 5-lipoxygenase activity in Mono Mac 6 cells, and the inhibition of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation were studied. The EC(50) value of the most active compound 1 was 1.2 nM in the CD14 assay and 1 nM in the 5-lipoxygenase assay, whereas calcitriol gave EC(50) values in these assays of 3.7 and 9 nM, respectively. In the lymphocyte proliferation assay, compound 1 and calcitriol had IC(50) values of 0.3 and 2.8 nM, respectively. All three compounds had receptor binding affinities similar to that of calcitriol. The compounds showed a decreased metabolic stability in rat liver homogenates and had a 50-fold lower affinity for the vitamin D-binding protein than calcitriol, which suggests that calcitriol analogues are metabolized more rapidly after systemic uptake or application. When injected into rats, the analogues displayed an approximately 100-fold lower hypercalcemic effect than calcitriol. In summary, our study presents three new and potent vitamin D receptor agonists with interesting profiles for development as antipsoriatic drugs.

Antiproliferative effect of a vitamin D3 analog, EB1089, on HL-60 cells by the induction of TGF-beta receptor

EB1089 is a novel 1,25(OH)2D3 analog that has more potent antitumor properties with reduced hypercalcemic effects than 1,25(OH)2D3. We investigated the role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the growth inhibition of human acute myeloid leukemia cell line, HL-60, by EB1089. Clonal growth of HL-60 cells was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by EB1089. Although TGF-beta1 alone slightly inhibited proliferation of HL-60 cells, the addition of TGF-beta1 into culture treated with 10(-8) M of EB1089 showed a significant synergistic antiproliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner. EB1089 up-regulated the expression of TGF-beta receptor type I (TGF-beta RI), type II (TGF-beta RII) and TGF-beta1. Antiproliferative effect of EB1089 was partially reversed by TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibody (anti-TGF-beta1). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression was increased by TGF-beta1, suggesting synergistic action of TGF-beta1 and EB1089. Combined treatment of EB1089 and TGF-beta1 resulted in an increased expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI), p27 protein, compared to either ligand alone. Up-regulation of p27 protein expression by either TGF-beta1 or EB1089 was reduced by anti-TGF-beta1. These findings suggest that TGF-beta1 is involved in the antiproliferative effect of EB1089 on HL-60 cells.

Differentiation induction of HL60 cells by 1,25(OH)2D3, all trans retinoic acid, rTGF-beta2 and their combinations

1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3), all trans retinoic acid (atRA) and the cytokine rTGF-beta2 are growth and differentiation modulators of promyelocytic leukemia. D3 gives rise to a functional monocytic cell population whereas single atRA therapy induces granulocytic cell features. rTGF-beta2 reduces HL60 cell proliferation but has no differentiating capacity. Combination treatment demonstrates additive effects between either D3 and atRA or D3 and rTGF-beta2, resulting in a cell population with mixed characteristics since individual cells exhibit both monocytic as granulocytic cell features. The capacity of single and combined treatments to induce a permanent differentiation was investigated. Therefore, cells were preincubated with the drugs during six days, test drugs were removed and cell number was monitored. The total cell count of populations treated with single agents remains constant for only a few days and then increases rapidly. rTGF-beta2 cooperated with D3 in inducing a long-lasting differentiation state (3 weeks). Addition of atRA to this combination did not significantly alter proliferation or differentiation, but some cells underwent apoptosis. Therefore, a total and permanent differentiation of leukemic cells may be achieved by repeated exposure to a combination of differentiation inducing agents.

Mechanisms of pertussis toxin-induced myelomonocytic cell adhesion: role of Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) and urokinase receptor (CD87)

Stimulation of monoblastic U937 cells with transforming growth factor beta 1 and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3 (TGF-beta 1/D3) upregulates urokinase receptor (uPAR) and confers urokinase-dependent adhesiveness to the cells for serum- or vitronectin-coated surfaces. Recent studies show that uPAR itself is a high-affinity adhesion receptor for vitronectin and that urokinase (uPA) is an activator of this adhesive function. In the course of exploring possible G-protein involvement in this adhesion it was observed that TGF-beta 1/D3-primed U937 cells became adhesive to vitronectin in an uPAR-dependent manner when exposed to pertussis toxin (PTX). The adherent response is concentration- and time-dependent, and was not due to the ADP-ribosyltransferase activity of the toxin because the purified B-subunit of PTX was equally effective. Although promoting adhesion to serum- or vitronectin-coated surfaces, PTX blocked spontaneous cell adhesion to fibrinogen, an endogenous ligand for the Mac-1 receptor (CD11b/CD18). Flow cytometry study showed that expression of the alpha-subunit of Mac-1 (CD11b) on primed cells was increased by nearly threefold. Monoclonal antibody to CD11b abolished the PTX-induced cell adhesion and the binding of the primed cells to PTX-coated plates. Activation of Mac-1 receptor by its endogenous ligand fibrinogen induced cell adherent response similar to PTX. PTX, but not uPA, triggered a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i in primed U937 cells, and PTX-induced adhesion was significantly attenuated by 1,2-bis-(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid/acetoxy-methyl ester (BAPTA/AM), a selective membrane-permeant [Ca2+]i chelator. PTX-induced cell adhesion was also prevented by antibodies to uPAR and by conditioned medium containing soluble uPAR. Together these data indicate that PTX B-subunit may bind to Mac-1 integrin, which leads to a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i and subsequent activation of uPAR for adherence to vitronectin, suggesting a functional link between Mac-1 and activation of uPAR important to cellular trafficking and host defence in response to Bordetella pertussis infection.

Sequential induction of 5-lipoxygenase gene expression and activity in Mono Mac 6 cells by transforming growth factor beta and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO; EC 1.13.11.34) activity in the human monocytic cell line Mono Mac 6 was upregulated by combined treatment with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3). In undifferentiated cells, 5-LO enzyme activity was undetectable. After the addition of TGF-beta plus VD3, the activity of intact cells was 800 ng per 10(6) cells--500 times more than the assay detection limit. Also 5-LO protein and mRNA expression were induced > 128-fold and 64-fold, respectively, as compared to undifferentiated cells. Both TGF-beta and VD3 were required for these prominent responses. Either agent alone gave small amounts of 5-LO protein and mRNA but very low 5-LO activities. After the addition of TGF-beta and VD3, the induction of 5-LO protein was obvious after 1 day, but the increase in activity was delayed and did not appear until the second day. Pretreatment of cells with TGF-beta or VD3 alone for 2 days led to 5-LO protein expression but very low enzyme activity. Addition of the lacking second inducer was required for full induction of 5-LO protein expression and for upregulation of enzyme activity. Partial purification of 5-LO from Mono Mac 6 cells and recombination with soluble cellular proteins from different sources indicated the presence of cytosolic factors that affect the activity of 5-LO.

Fc gamma receptor-mediated biological activities of human leukemic cell lines and their modulation by transforming growth factor-beta 1 and interleukin 6

Previously we reported that transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) remarkably enhanced the differentiation of human leukemic cell lines, HL-60 and THP-1, in the presence of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3) and also that it induced Fc receptor for immunoglobulin G (Fc gamma R), type IIIB, in the presence of retinoic acid (RA). The present study revealed that TGF-beta 1 enhanced the Fc gamma RI- and Fc gamma RII-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of the cells differentiated in the presence of VD3 and RA. However, production of active oxygen molecules was suppressed by TGF-beta 1. On the other hand, IL-6 stimulated production of active oxygen molecules and ADCC of the cells treated with VD3 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Furthermore, the levels of cell surface Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RII were not clearly correlated with the ADCC. The TGF-beta 1/VD3-treated HL-60 cells were able to synthesize mRNAs for TGF-beta 1 and TNF-alpha, although TNF-alpha protein was not detectable. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 has a bifunctional role, either stimulatory or inhibitory, in the modulation of macrophage activities through Fc gamma Rs and that IL-6 stimulates certain macrophage activities in mature cells.

Cytokines induce urokinase-dependent adhesion of human myeloid cells. A regulatory role for plasminogen activator inhibitors

Differentiation of monocytic precursors often results in adhesive properties thought to be important in migration. In this study, the influence of cytokines, known to induce macrophage differentiation, on the adhesiveness of the monocytic cell line U937 was examined in vitro. Despite development of a macrophage morphology, < 5% of cytokine-stimulated U937 cells were adherent at 24 h. Addition of 1-10 nM urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) induced adherence in the presence of transforming growth factor type beta-1, 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D3, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, or tumor necrosis factor alpha. uPA-dependent adhesiveness was reversible after 24 h of stimulation with cytokines and uPA as adherence was prevented by the subsequent addition of anti-uPA antibodies. Adherence induced by diisopropylfluorophosphate-inactivated uPA was severalfold greater than that seen with active uPA. This difference was largely due to cell-surface turnover of active uPA complexed with plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI). These data indicate that cytokines prime monocyte progenitors for uPA receptor-mediated signals leading to adherence, continued uPA receptor occupancy is required for adherence, and PAI decreases adherence by promoting clearance of uPA/PAI complexes. Thus the interaction of uPA and PAI at the cell surface, known to affect extracellular matrix proteolysis and hence myeloid cell migration, also regulates adhesion. The coordinated regulation of these two uPA functions by PAI may enhance the migratory potential of monocytic cells.

1,25-Dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 enhances antiproliferative effect and transcription of TGF-beta1 on human keratinocytes in culture

Both TGF-beta and 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin-D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) have been reported to decrease the proliferation of normal human keratinocytes. The effect and expression of TGF-beta in keratinocytes treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 was investigated. Human keratinocytes were grown in the presence of various concentrations of TGF-beta and/or 1,25(OH)2D3 prior to enumeration. TGF-beta, alone, has a half maximal dose of inhibition (ED50) of approximately 750 pg/ml after seven days in culture in Keratinocyte Growth Medium (KGM; Clonetics) supplemented with 1.5 mM calcium. When 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-7)M) was also added to cultures with various concentrations of TGF-beta, the ED50 shifted an average of 2-fold less. The presence of TGF-beta (10 pg/ml) augmented the potency of 1,25(OH)2D3 by at least 10-fold. In keratinocyte cultures, the antiproliferative effect of the two compounds together is synergistic. In keratinocytes grown for 1 week in the presence of 1,25(OH)2D3 at 10(-6)M, the TGF-beta 1 message increased approximately 5-fold. An increase is detected within 2 hours of exposure to 1,25(OH)2D3. There was only a 50% increase in the levels of TGF-beta 2 and no detection of TGF-beta 3. When keratinocyte cultures were treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 and neutralizing antibodies to TGF-beta, the induced-antiproliferative activity was blocked by more than 50%. The keratinocytes produced more active than latent TGF-beta after growth with high doses of 1,25(OH)2D3.

Induction of phosphatidylinositol-glycan-linked Fc gamma RIII in human monocytic THP-1 cells by transforming growth factor-beta 1 and retinoic acid

Human monocytic leukemic cell line THP-1 was incubated with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and retinoic acid (RA) and the expression of Fc gamma RIII was investigated. Fc gamma RIII was induced after incubation of the cells with both TGF-beta 1 and RA but not with either TGF-beta 1 or RA alone. Such effects of TGF-beta 1 and RA were not detected on human promyelocytic HL-60 cells. Northern blot analysis revealed the induction of Fc gamma RIII transcripts in THP-1 cells. Furthermore, the Fc gamma RIIIs newly expressed on the cell surface were cleaved by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) and reacted with monoclonal antibody MG38 which specifically binds to granulocyte-type Fc gamma receptors. These results indicated that TGF-beta 1 could induce phosphatidylinositol-glycan-linked Fc gamma RIII (Fc gamma RIII-I) in THP-1 cells in the presence of RA.