Identification of a highly potent vitamin D receptor antagonist: (25S)-26-Adamantyl-25-hydroxy-2-methylene-22,23-didehydro-19,27-dinor-20-epi-vitamin D3 (ADMI3)

Syntheses of 25-Adamantyl-25-alkyl-2-methylidene-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 Derivatives with Structure-Function Studies of Antagonistic and Agonistic Active Vitamin D Analogs

The active form of vitamin D₃, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1,25(OH)₂D₃], is a major regulator of calcium homeostasis through activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We have previously synthesized vitamin D derivatives with large adamantane (AD) rings at position 24, 25, or 26 of the side chain to study VDR agonist and/or antagonist properties. One of them-ADTK1, with an AD ring and 23,24-triple bond-shows a high VDR affinity and cell-selective VDR activity. In this study, we synthesized novel vitamin D derivatives (ADKM1-6) with an alkyl group substituted at position 25 of ADTK1 to develop more cell-selective VDR ligands. ADKM2, ADKM4, and ADKM6 had VDR transcriptional activity comparable to 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and ADTK1, although their VDR affinities were weaker. Interestingly, ADKM2 has selective VDR activity in kidney- and skin-derived cells-a unique phenotype that differs from ADTK1. Furthermore, ADKM2, ADKM4, and ADKM6 induced osteoblast differentiation in human dedifferentiated fat cells more effectively than ADTK1. The development of vitamin D derivatives with bulky modifications such as AD at position 24, 25, or 26 of the side chain is useful for increased stability and tissue selectivity in VDR-targeting therapy.

New Approaches to Assess Mechanisms of Action of Selective Vitamin D Analogues

Recent studies of transcription have revealed an advanced set of overarching principles that govern vitamin D action on a genome-wide scale. These tenets of vitamin D transcription have emerged as a result of the application of now well-established techniques of chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled to next-generation DNA sequencing that have now been linked directly to CRISPR-Cas9 genomic editing in culture cells and in mouse tissues in vivo. Accordingly, these techniques have established that the vitamin D hormone modulates sets of cell-type specific genes via an initial action that involves rapid binding of the VDR-ligand complex to multiple enhancer elements at open chromatin sites that drive the expression of individual genes. Importantly, a sequential set of downstream events follows this initial binding that results in rapid histone acetylation at these sites, the recruitment of additional histone modifiers across the gene locus, and in many cases, the appearance of H3K36me3 and RNA polymerase II across gene bodies. The measured recruitment of these factors and/or activities and their presence at specific regions in the gene locus correlate with the emerging presence of cognate transcripts, thereby highlighting sequential molecular events that occur during activation of most genes both in vitro and in vivo. These features provide a novel approach to the study of vitamin D analogs and their actions in vivo and suggest that they can be used for synthetic compound evaluation and to select for novel tissue- and gene-specific features. This may be particularly useful for ligand activation of nuclear receptors given the targeting of these factors directly to genetic sites in the nucleus.

Strategies for the Synthesis of 19-nor-Vitamin D Analogs

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D₃ [1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃], the hormonally active form of vitamin D₃, classically regulates bone formation, calcium, and phosphate homeostasis. In addition, this hormone also exerts non-classical effects in a wide variety of target tissues and cell types, such as inhibition of the proliferation and stimulation of the differentiation of normal and malignant cells. However, to produce these actions, supraphysiological doses are required resulting in calcemic effects that limit the use of this natural hormone. During the past 30 years, many structurally modified analogs of the 1α,25-(OH)₂-D₃ have been synthesized in order to find derivatives that can dissociate the beneficial antiproliferative effects from undesired calcemic effects. Among these candidates, 1α,25-(OH)₂-19-nor-D₃ analogs have shown promise as good derivatives since they show equal or better activity relative to the parent hormone but with reduced calcemic effects. In this review, we describe the synthetic strategies to obtain the 19-nor-D₃ derivatives and briefly describe their physiological activities.

25 S-Adamantyl-23-yne-26,27-dinor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: Synthesis, Tissue Selective Biological Activities, and X-ray Crystal Structural Analysis of Its Vitamin D Receptor Complex

Both 25 R- and 25 S-25-adamantyl-23-yne-26,27-dinor-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (4a and 4b) were stereoselectively synthesized by a Pd(0)-catalyzed ring closure and Suzuki-Miyaura coupling between enol-triflate 7 and alkenyl-boronic ester 8. The 25 S isomer (4b) showed high vitamin D receptor (VDR) affinity (50% of that of the natural hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, 1) and transactivation potency (kidney HEK293, 90%). In endogenous gene expression, it showed high cell-type selectivity for kidney cells (HEK293, CYP24A1 160% of 1), bone cells (MG63, osteocalcin 64%), and monocytes (U937, CAMP 96%) over intestine (SW480, CYP24A1 8%) and skin (HaCaT, CYP24A1 7%) cells. The X-ray crystal structural analysis of 4b in complex with rat VDR-ligand binding domain (LBD) showed the highest Cα positional shift from the 1/VDR-LBD complex at helix 11. Helix 11 of the 4b and 1 VDR-LBD complexes also showed significant differences in surface properties. These results suggest that 4b should be examined further as another candidate for a mild preventive osteoporosis agent.

Synthesis of 19-norcalcitriol analogs with elongated side chain

Pronounced biological potency of 19-norvitamin D compounds as well as interesting biological action of the vitamin D analogs possessing elongated side chains encouraged us to expand the scope of our structure-activity studies to encompass such modifications of the 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ (calcitriol) molecule. The aim of our studies was the synthesis of calcitriol analog, designed on the basis of results of molecular modeling and docking experiments, and characterized by a presence of a long, nitrogen-containing substituent attached to carbon 26, and an exomethylene moiety transferred from C-10 to C-2. The convergent synthesis of such 19-norcalcitriol compound, described in this communication, consisted of the preparation and combining four building blocks. The crucial point of the synthesis, coupling of the known A-ring phosphine oxide and the synthesized Grundmann ketone analog, was achieved using Wittig-Horner protocol. It provided the protected analog of 1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-norvitamin D₃ which was further transformed into the target compound.

Novel VDR antagonists based on the GW0742 scaffold

The vitamin D receptor is a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation and calcium homeostasis. The receptor is endogenously activated by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃, which induces transcription of VDR targets genes regulated by coactivator binding. VDR antagonists and partial agonists have been developed based on the secosteroid scaffold of vitamin D. Only a few non-secosteroid VDR antagonists are known. Herein, we report the rational design of non-secosteroid VDR antagonists using GW0742 as a scaffold. GW0742 is a PPARδ agonist previously identified by our group as a VDR antagonist. Several modifications including the replacement of the thiazole ring with an oxazole ring led to compound 7b, which inhibited VDR-mediated transcription (IC₅₀ = 660 nM) without activating PPARδ-mediated transcription. However, inhibition of transcription mediated by other nuclear receptors was observed.

Helix12-Stabilization Antagonist of Vitamin D Receptor

To develop strong vitamin D receptor (VDR) antagonists and reveal their antagonistic mechanism, we designed and synthesized vitamin D analogues with bulky side chains based on the "active antagonist" concept in which antagonist prevents helix 12 (H12) folding. Of the synthesized analogues, compounds 3a and 3b showed strong antagonistic activity. Dynamic hydrogen/deuterium exchange coupled with mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and static X-ray crystal structure analyses indicated that compound 3a stabilizes H11-H12 but displaces H6-H7 so that 3a is a novel rather than "active" or "passive" type of antagonist. We classified 3a as a third type of antagonist and called it "H11-H12 stabilization antagonist". HDX-MS analysis indicated that antagonist 3b is an "active" antagonist. To date there are no reports relating to nuclear receptor antagonist that strongly stabilizes H12. In this study, we found first VDR antagonist that stabilizes H12 and we showed that antagonistic mechanism is diverse depending on each antagonist structure. Additionally, HDX-MS was proven to be very useful for investigations of protein structure alterations resulting from ligand binding.

Inhibitors for the Vitamin D Receptor-Coregulator Interaction

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the superfamily of nuclear receptors and is activated by the endogenous ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The genomic effects mediated by VDR consist of the activation and repression of gene transcription, which includes the formation of multiprotein complexes with coregulator proteins. Coregulators bind many nuclear receptors and can be categorized according to their role as coactivators (gene activation) or corepressors (gene repression). Herein, different approaches to develop compounds that modulate the interaction between VDR and coregulators are summarized. This includes coregulator peptides that were identified by creating phage display libraries. Subsequent modification of these peptides including the introduction of a tether or nonhydrolyzable bonds resulted in the first direct VDR-coregulator inhibitors. Later, small molecules that inhibit VDR-coregulator inhibitors were identified using rational drug design and high-throughput screening. Early on, allosteric inhibition of VDR-coregulator interactions was achieved with VDR antagonists that change the conformation of VDR and modulate the interactions with coregulators. A detailed discussion of their dual agonist/antagonist effects is given as well as a summary of their biological effects in cell-based assays and in vivo studies.

Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) caused by a VDR mutation: A novel mechanism of dominant inheritance

Hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is caused by mutations in the VDR gene, and its inheritance is autosomal recessive. In this report, we aimed to confirm whether HVDRR is occasionally inherited as a dominant trait. An 18-month-old Japanese boy was evaluated for short stature and bowlegs. His father had been treated for rickets during childhood, and his paternal grandfather had bowlegs. We diagnosed him with HVDRR based on laboratory data and radiographic evidence of rickets. Sequence analyses of VDR were performed, and the functional consequences of the detected mutations were analyzed for transcriptional activity, ligand binding, and interaction with the retinoid X receptor, cofactors, and the vitamin D response element (VDRE). A novel mutation (Q400LfsX7) and a reported variant (R370H) were identified in the patient. Heterozygous Q400LfsX7 was detected in his father, and heterozygous R370H was detected in his healthy mother. Functional studies revealed that the transcriptional activity of Q400LfsX7-VDR was markedly disturbed. The mutant had a dominant-negative effect on wild-type-VDR, and the ligand binding affinity of Q400LfsX7-VDR was completely impaired. Interestingly, Q400LfsX7-VDR had a strong interaction with corepressor NCoR and could interact with VDRE without the ligand. R370H-VDR was functionally similar to wild-type-VDR. In conclusion, we found a dominant-negative mutant of VDR causing dominantly inherited HVDRR through a constitutive corepressor interaction, a mechanism similar to that in dominantly inherited thyroid hormone receptor mutations. Our report together with a reported pedigree suggested a distinct inheritance of HVDRR and enriched our understanding of VDR abnormalities.

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We report the pedigree of dominantly inherited hereditary vitamin D resistant rickets.

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A novel VDR mutation (Q400LfsX7) was identified in the pedigree.

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The mutant had a dominant-negative effect on the wild type VDR and interacted strongly with corepressor NCoR.

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The mechanism for dominantly inheritance was similar to that in dominantly inherited thyroid hormone receptor mutations.

Anticancer activity of VDR-coregulator inhibitor PS121912

PURPOSE

PS121912 has been developed as selective vitamin D receptor (VDR)-coregulator inhibitor starting from a high throughput screening campaign to identify new agents that modulate VDR without causing hypercalcemia. Initial antiproliferative effects of PS121912 were observed that are characterized herein to enable future in vivo investigation with this molecule.

METHODS

Antiproliferation and apoptosis were determined using four different cancer cell lines (DU145, Caco2, HL-60 and SKOV3) in the presence of PS121912, 1,25-(OH)₂D₃, or a combination of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ and PS121912. VDR si-RNA was used to identify the role of VDR during this process. The application of ChIP enabled us to determine the involvement of coregulator recruitment during transcription, which was investigated by RT-PCR with VDR target genes and those affiliated with cell cycle progression. Translational changes of apoptotic proteins were determined with an antibody array. The preclinical characterization of PS121912 includes the determination of metabolic stability and CYP3A4 inhibition.

RESULTS

PS121912 induced apoptosis in all four cancer cells, with HL-60 cells being the most sensitive. At sub-micromolar concentrations, PS121912 amplified the growth inhibition of cancer cells caused by 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ without being antiproliferative by itself. A knockout study with VDR si-RNA confirmed the mediating role of VDR. VDR target genes induced by 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ were down-regulated with the co-treatment of PS121912. This process was highly dependent on the recruitment of coregulators that in case of CYP24A1 was SRC2. The combination of PS121912 and 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ reduced the presence of SRC2 and enriched the occupancy of corepressor NCoR at the promoter site. E2F transcription factors 1 and 4 were down-regulated in the presence of PS121912 and 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ that in turn reduced the transcription levels of cyclin A and D, thus arresting HL-60 cells in the S or G2/M phase. In addition, proteins with hematopoietic functions such as cyclin-dependent kinase 6, histone deacetylase 9 and transforming growth factor beta 2 and 3 were down-regulated as well. Elevated levels of P21 and GADD45, in concert with cyclin D1, also mediated the antiproliferative response of HL-60 in the presence of 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ and PS121912. Studies at higher concentration of P121912 identified a VDR-independent pathway of antiproliferation that included the enzymatic and transcriptional activation of caspase 3/7.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we conclude that PS121912 behaves like a VDR antagonist at low concentrations but interacts with more targets at higher concentrations leading to apoptosis mediated by caspase 3/7 activation. In addition, PS121912 showed an acceptable metabolic stability to enable in vivo cancer studies.

Development of novel Vitamin D Receptor-Coactivator Inhibitors

Nuclear receptor coregulators are master regulators of transcription and selectively interact with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to modulate cell differentiation, cell proliferation and calcium homeostasis. Herein, we report the syntheses and evaluation of highly potent and selective VDR-coactivator inhibitors based on a recently identified 3-indolylmethanamine scaffold. The most active compound, PS121912, selectively inhibited VDR-mediated transcription among eight other nuclear receptors tested. PS121912 is also selectively disrupting the binding between VDR and the third nuclear receptor interaction domain of the coactivator SRC2. Genetic studies revealed that PS121912 behaves like a VDR antagonist by repressing 1,25-(OH)₂D₃ activated gene transcription. In addition, PS121912 induced apoptosis in HL-60.

Agonist and antagonist binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor: dynamics, mutation effects and functional implications

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_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.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2193-9616-1-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vitamin D receptor activation enhances benzo[a]pyrene metabolism via CYP1A1 expression in macrophages

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) activates the aryl hydrocarbon (AHR) and induces the expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism, including CYP1A1. CYP1A1 is involved not only in BaP detoxification but also in metabolic activation, which results in DNA adduct formation. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) belongs to the NR1I subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily, which also regulates expression of xenobiotic metabolism genes. We investigated the cross-talk between AHR and VDR signaling pathways and found that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], a potent physiological VDR agonist, enhanced BaP-induced transcription of CYP1A1 in human monocytic U937 cells and THP-1 cells, breast cancer cells, and kidney epithelium-derived cells. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) alone did not induce CYP1A1, and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) plus BaP did not increase CYP1A2 or CYP1B1 mRNA expression in U937 cells. The combination of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and BaP increased CYP1A1 protein levels, BaP hydroxylation activity, and BaP-DNA adduct formation in U937 cells and THP-1 cells more effectively than BaP alone. The combined effect of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and BaP on CYP1A1 mRNA expression in U937 cells and/or THP-1 cells was inhibited by VDR knockdown, VDR antagonists, and α-naphthoflavone, an AHR antagonist. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that VDR directly bound to an everted repeat (ER) 8 motif in the human CYP1A1 promoter. Thus, CYP1A1 is a novel VDR target gene involved in xenobiotic metabolism. Induction of CYP1A1 by the activation of VDR and AHR may contribute to BaP-mediated toxicity and the physiological function of this enzyme.

Butyl pocket formation in the vitamin D receptor strongly affects the agonistic or antagonistic behavior of ligands

Previously, we reported that 22S-butyl-25,26,27-trinor-1α,24-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)2 represents a new class of antagonist for the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The crystal structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of VDR complexed with 2 showed the formation of a butyl pocket to accommodate the 22-butyl group and insufficient interactions between ligand 2 and the C-terminus of VDR. Here, we designed and synthesized new analogues 5a-c and evaluated their biological activities to probe whether agonistic activity is recovered when the analogue restores interactions with the C-terminus of VDR. Analogues 5a-c exhibited full agonistic activity in transactivation. Interestingly, 5c, which bears a 24-diethyl group, completely recovered agonistic activity, although 3c and 4c act as an antagonist and a weak agonist, respectively. The crystal structures of VDR-LBD complexed with 3a, 4a, 5a, and 5c were solved, and the results confirmed that butyl pocket formation in VDR strongly affects the agonistic or antagonistic behaviors of ligands.

Vitamin D receptor ligands: the impact of crystal structures

INTRODUCTION

In the past years, the biologically active form of vitamin D(3), 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)), has received large appreciation due to the broad physiological impact of the hormone and its nuclear receptor, the transcription factor vitamin D receptor (VDR). Recently, the understanding of VDR actions has progressed greatly, due to VDR crystal structures with various ligands.

AREAS COVERED

This review will present and discuss new synthetic agonistic and antagonistic 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs in the context of the recent insights provided by VDR crystal structures.

EXPERT OPINION

During the last 5 years, a large number of new 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs, many of which have an interesting functional profile, have been patented. Moreover, for a surprisingly high number of 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) analogs, the crystal structure data of their complex with the VDR is available. This structural information provides important insight into the functional potential of the VDR ligands and explains their agonistic and antagonistic action. However, so far, only for a few VDR ligands, a rational design, based on crystal structure information, has been applied. The design of future analogs may also take the specificity of co-factor interaction into account, in order to create selective VDR modulators.

13,13-Dimethyl-des-C,D analogues of (20S)-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-norvitamin D₃ (2MD): total synthesis, docking to the VDR, and biological evaluation

As a continuation of our studies focused on the vitamin D compounds lacking the C,D-hydrindane system, 13,13-dimethyl-des-C,D analogues of (20S)-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-19-norvitamin D(3) (2, 2MD) were prepared by total synthesis. The known cyclohexanone 30, a precursor of the desired A-ring phosphine oxide 11, was synthesized starting with the keto acetal 13, whereas the aldehyde 12, constituting an acyclic 'upper' building block, was obtained from the isomeric esters 34, prepared previously in our laboratory. The commercial 1,4-cyclohexanedione monoethylene ketal (13) was enantioselectively α-hydroxylated utilizing the α-aminoxylation process catalyzed by l-proline, and the introduced hydroxy group was protected as a TBS, TPDPS, and SEM ether. Then the keto group in the obtained compounds 15-17 was methylenated and the allylic hydroxylation was performed with selenium dioxide and pyridine N-oxide. After separation of the isomers, the newly introduced hydroxy group was protected and the ketal group hydrolyzed to yield the corresponding protected (3R,5R)-3,5-dihydroxycyclohexanones 30-32. The esters 34, starting compounds for the C,D-fragment 12, were first α-methylated, then reduced and the resulted primary alcohols 36 were deoxygenated using the Barton-McCombie protocol. Primary hydroxy group in the obtained diether 38 was deprotected and oxidized to furnish the aldehyde 12. The Wittig-Horner coupling of the latter with the anion of the phosphine oxide 11, followed by hydroxyl deprotection furnished two isomeric 13,13-dimethyl-des-C,D analogues of 2MD (compounds 10 and 42) differing in configuration of their 7,8-double bond. Pure vitamin D analogues were isolated by HPLC and their biological activity was examined. The in vitro tests indicated that, compared to the analogue 7, unsubstituted at C-13, the synthesized vitamin D analogue 10 showed markedly improved VDR binding ability, significantly enhanced HL-60 differentiation activity as well as increased transcriptional potency. Docking simulations provided a rational explanation for the observed binding affinity of these ligands to the VDR. Biological in vivo tests proved that des-C,D compound 10 retained some intestinal activity. Its geometrical isomer 42 was devoid of any biological activity.

Dynamic and ligand-selective interactions of vitamin D receptor with retinoid X receptor and cofactors in living cells

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates vitamin D signaling in numerous physiological and pharmacological processes, including bone and calcium metabolism, cellular growth and differentiation, immunity, and cardiovascular function. Although transcriptional regulation by VDR has been investigated intensively, an understanding of ligand-selective dynamic VDR conformations remains elusive. Here, we examined ligand-dependent dynamic interactions of VDR with retinoid X receptor (RXR), steroid receptor coactivator 1 (SRC-1), and silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) in cells using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. We compared the effects of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1,25(OH)(2)D(3)], lithocholic acid (LCA), and (25R)-25-adamantyl-1α,25-dihydroxy-2-methylene-22,23-didehydro-19,26,27-trinor-20-epivitamin D(3) (ADTT), a partial agonist/antagonist vitamin D derivative. In the absence of ligand, VDR homodimers were preferred to RXR heterodimers and were associated with SMRT. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) induced heterodimerization with RXR, dissociation of SMRT, and association of SRC-1. LCA and ADTT induced those effects to a lesser extent at concentrations that did not induce expression of the VDR target gene CYP24A1 in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Unlike in HEK293 cells, ADTT increased CYP24A1 expression in HCT116 cells and increased the association of VDR and SMRT on the CYP24A1 promoter. The results indicate that ligand-selective conformation may lead to unique cofactor complex formation in a cell context-dependent manner. The combination of FRET and ChIP assays is a powerful tool useful in understanding ligand-selective dynamic VDR conformations and the development of selective VDR modulators.

Potent antagonist for the vitamin D receptor: vitamin D analogues with simple side chain structure

We previously reported that 22S-butyl-25,26,27-trinor-1alpha,24-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) 2 was a potent VDR antagonist. The X-ray crystal structure of the ligand binding domain of VDR complexed with 2 indicated that this ligand induces an extra cavity within the ligand-binding pocket. The structure also showed that the ligand forms only poor hydrophobic interactions with helix 12 of the protein. Here, to study the effects of the induction of the extra cavity and of insufficient interactions with helix 12 on antagonism, we designed and synthesized a series of vitamin D(3) analogues with or without a 22-alkyl substituent and evaluated their biological potency. We found that the 22-butyl analogues 3c and 5c act as full antagonists, the 22-ethyl analogues 3b, 4b, 5b, and 22-butyl analogue 4c act as partial agonists, and the others (3a, 4a, 5a, 6a, 6b, and 6c) act as full agonists for VDR. It is intriguing that 6c is a potent agonist for VDR, whereas its 26,27-dinor analogue 5c is a potent antagonist. Analogue 6c recruited coactivator SRC-1 well, but 5c did not. These results indicate that a combination of induction of the extra cavity and insufficient hydrophobic interactions with helix 12 is important for VDR antagonism in this class of ligands.

Crystal structures of rat vitamin D receptor bound to adamantyl vitamin D analogs: structural basis for vitamin D receptor antagonism and partial agonism

The X-ray crystal structures of the rat VDR ligand-binding domain complexed with 19-norvitamin D compounds that contain an adamantyl substituent at the side-chain terminus, 2a (ADTT), 2b (ADNY), and 2c (ADMI4) and a coactivator peptide derived from DRIP205 are reported. These compounds show a series of partial agonistic (10-75% efficacy)/antagonistic activities. All of these complexed receptors are crystallized in the canonical active conformation, regardless of their activity profiles. The bulky adamantyl side chain does not crowd helix 12 but protrudes into the gap formed by helix 11, loop 11-12, helix 3, and loop 6-7, thereby widening the ligand binding pocket. We suggest that these structural changes destabilize the active protein conformation and reduce its contribution to equilibrium among the active and inactive conformations. The coactivator peptide traps the minor active conformation, and the equilibrium shifts to the active conformation. As a result, these ligands show partial agonistic activities.