Tissue-specific regulation of avian vitamin D-dependent calcium-binding protein 28-kDa mRNA by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Vitamin D and the Central Nervous System: Causative and Preventative Mechanisms in Brain Disorders

Twenty of the last one hundred years of vitamin D research have involved investigations of the brain as a target organ for this hormone. Our group was one of the first to investigate brain outcomes resulting from primarily restricting dietary vitamin D during brain development. With the advent of new molecular and neurochemical techniques in neuroscience, there has been increasing interest in the potential neuroprotective actions of vitamin D in response to a variety of adverse exposures and how this hormone could affect brain development and function. Rather than provide an exhaustive summary of this data and a listing of neurological or psychiatric conditions that vitamin D deficiency has been associated with, here, we provide an update on the actions of this vitamin in the brain and cellular processes vitamin D may be targeting in psychiatry and neurology.

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol Improved the Growth Performance and Upregulated the Calcium Transporter Gene Expression Levels in the Small Intestine of Broiler Chickens

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)₂-D₃) is the final active product of vitamin D. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ on growth performance, bone development, and calcium (Ca) transporter gene expression levels in the small intestine of broiler chickens. On the day of hatching, 140 female Ross 308 broilers were randomly allotted into two treatments with five replicates (14 birds per replicate). Two levels of 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ (0 and 1.25 µg/kg) were added to the basal diet without vitamin D. Results showed that the addition of 1.25 µg/kg 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ increased the average daily feed intake and the average daily gain and decreased the feed conversion ratio and mortality in 1- to 19-day-old broiler chickens compared with the basal diet without vitamin D (P<0.05). 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ also enhanced the length, weight, ash weight, and the percentage contents of ash, Ca, and P in the tibia and femur of broilers (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the Ca-binding protein (CaBP-D28k) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of 19-day-old broilers increased to 88.1-, 109.1-, and 2.7-fold, respectively, after adding 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of the plasma membrane Ca ATPase 1b (PMCAlb) in the duodenum and the sodium (Na)/ Ca exchanger 1 (NCX1) in the duodenum and the jejunum were also enhanced to 1.57-2.86 times with the addition of 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ (P<0.05). In contrast, the mRNA expression levels of PMCA1b and NCX1 in the ileum and that of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the small intestine were not affected by 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ (P>0.05). These data indicate that 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ upregulated Ca transporter gene transcription and promoted Ca²⁺ absorption in the small intestine, especially in the proximal intestine (duodenum and jejunum), thereby improving growth performance and bone mineralization in broiler chickens.

Vitamin D: Brain and Behavior

It has been 20 years since we first proposed vitamin D as a "possible" neurosteroid.( 1 ) Our work over the last two decades, particularly results from our cellular and animal models, has confirmed the numerous ways in which vitamin D differentiates the developing brain. As a result, vitamin D can now confidently take its place among all other steroids known to regulate brain development.( 2 ) Others have concentrated on the possible neuroprotective functions of vitamin D in adult brains. Here these data are integrated, and possible mechanisms outlined for the various roles vitamin D appears to play in both developing and mature brains and how such actions shape behavior. There is now also good evidence linking gestational and/or neonatal vitamin D deficiency with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism, and adult vitamin D deficiency with certain degenerative conditions. In this mini-review, the focus is on what we have learned over these past 20 years regarding the genomic and nongenomic actions of vitamin D in shaping brain development, neurophysiology, and behavior in animal models. © 2020 The Author. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Deterioration of eggshell quality is related to calbindin in laying hens infected with velogenic genotype VIId Newcastle disease virus

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism by which Newcastle disease virus (NDV) affects eggshell quality. Thirty-week-old specific pathogen free (SPF) egg-laying hens were inoculated with the velogenic genotype VIId NDV strain (infected group) or with inoculating media without virus (control group) by combined intraocular and intranasal routes. The levels of CaBP-D28k mRNA expression in the uterus, a gene related to eggshell quality, were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The quality of eggshells was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The infected group showed a marked decline in egg production when compared to the control group. The NDV antigen was found more abundantly in the glandular epithelium of the infected hens' uteri from 1 to 15 d post-inoculation (dpi). The levels of CaBP-D28k mRNA expression in the uteri of infected hens were significantly lower than in the control hens from 3 to 15 dpi (P < 0.05). The changes in the Ca concentrations in the eggshells were consistent with the expression of CaBP-D28k mRNA in the infected hens. Ultrastructural examination of eggshells showed significantly reduced shell thickness in the infected hens from 1 to 15 dpi (P < 0.05). Furthermore, obvious changes in the structure of the external shell surface and shell membrane were detected in the infected hens compared with the control hens. In conclusion, the current study confirmed that velogenic genotype VIId NDV infection is associated with the deterioration of the eggshell quality of the laying hens.

The vitamin D receptor in dopamine neurons; its presence in human substantia nigra and its ontogenesis in rat midbrain

There is growing evidence that vitamin D is a neuroactive steroid capable of regulating multiple pathways important for both brain development and mature brain function. In particular, there is evidence from rodent models that prenatal vitamin D deficiency alters the development of dopaminergic pathways and this disruption is associated with altered behavior and neurochemistry in the adult brain. Although the presence of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) has been noted in the human substantia nigra, there is a lack of direct evidence showing that VDR is present in dopaminergic cells. Here we confirm that the VDR is present in the nucleus of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in both the human and rat substantia nigra, and it emerges early in development in the rat, between embryonic day 12 (E12) and E15. Consistent evidence based on immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and western blot confirmed a pattern of increasing VDR expression in the rat midbrain until weaning. The nuclear expression of VDR in TH-positive neurons during critical periods of brain development suggests that alterations in early life vitamin D status may influence the orderly development of dopaminergic neurons.

Sunlight and Vitamin D: A global perspective for health

Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin that has been produced on this earth for more than 500 million years. During exposure to sunlight 7-dehydrocholesterol in the skin absorbs UV B radiation and is converted to previtamin D3 which in turn isomerizes into vitamin D3. Previtamin D3 and vitamin D3 also absorb UV B radiation and are converted into a variety of photoproducts some of which have unique biologic properties. Sun induced vitamin D synthesis is greatly influenced by season, time of day, latitude, altitude, air pollution, skin pigmentation, sunscreen use, passing through glass and plastic, and aging. Vitamin D is metabolized sequentially in the liver and kidneys into 25-hydroxyvitamin D which is a major circulating form and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D which is the biologically active form respectively. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D plays an important role in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism for maintenance of metabolic functions and for skeletal health. Most cells and organs in the body have a vitamin D receptor and many cells and organs are able to produce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. As a result 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D influences a large number of biologic pathways which may help explain association studies relating vitamin D deficiency and living at higher latitudes with increased risk for many chronic diseases including autoimmune diseases, some cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, schizophrenia and type 2 diabetes. A three-part strategy of increasing food fortification programs with vitamin D, sensible sun exposure recommendations and encouraging ingestion of a vitamin D supplement when needed should be implemented to prevent global vitamin D deficiency and its negative health consequences.

Vitamin D, effects on brain development, adult brain function and the links between low levels of vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disease

Increasingly vitamin D deficiency is being associated with a number of psychiatric conditions. In particular for disorders with a developmental basis, such as autistic spectrum disorder and schizophrenia the neurobiological plausibility of this association is strengthened by the preclinical data indicating vitamin D deficiency in early life affects neuronal differentiation, axonal connectivity, dopamine ontogeny and brain structure and function. More recently epidemiological associations have been made between low vitamin D and psychiatric disorders not typically associated with abnormalities in brain development such as depression and Alzheimer's disease. Once again the preclinical findings revealing that vitamin D can regulate catecholamine levels and protect against specific Alzheimer-like pathology increase the plausibility of this link. In this review we have attempted to integrate this clinical epidemiology with potential vitamin D-mediated basic mechanisms. Throughout the review we have highlighted areas where we think future research should focus.

Vitamin D in fetal brain development

In this review we will provide a concise summary of the evidence implicating a role for vitamin D in the developing brain. Vitamin D is known to affect a diverse array of cellular functions. Over the past 10 years data has emerged implicating numerous ways in which this vitamin could also affect the developing brain including its effects on cell differentiation, neurotrophic factor expression, cytokine regulation, neurotransmitter synthesis, intracellular calcium signaling, anti-oxidant activity, and the expression of genes/proteins involved in neuronal differentiation, structure and metabolism. Dysfunction in any of these processes could adversely affect development. Although there are many ways to study the effects of vitamin D on the developing CNS in vivo, we will concentrate on one experimental model that has examined the impact of the dietary absence of vitamin D in utero. Finally, we discuss the epidemiological data that suggests that vitamin D deficiency either in utero or in early life may have adverse neuropsychiatric implications.

Aluminum toxicity alters the regulation of calbindin-D28k protein and mRNA expression in chick intestine

Previous studies have shown that aluminum inhibits vitamin D-dependent calcium absorption. The mechanism involves reduced sensitivity to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and reduced expression of the calcium transport protein, calbindin-D28k. Reduced expression of calbindin protein may be due to decreased levels of calbindin mRNA. To test this hypothesis, we measured calbindin mRNA levels in chicks fed diets with and without added aluminum. Groups of chicks were fed one of four diets: control, control plus aluminum, low calcium, or low calcium plus aluminum. A fifth group was fed a vitamin D-free diet as a negative control. Calbindin protein was measured by immunoblotting. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus were determined. Intestinal mRNA was isolated and assayed by slot-blot hybridization to a fluorescein-conjugated oligonucleotide probe complementary to calbindin-D28k mRNA. Antifluorescein antibodies conjugated to alkaline phosphatase were used to detect hybrids and mRNA levels were quantified by densitometry. Specificity of the probe was verified by Northern analysis. Intestinal calbindin protein was greater in the control plus aluminum group than in controls, but no difference in calbindin mRNA was observed. These changes were associated with small decreases in serum phosphorus and calcium, suggesting a postranscriptional effect of aluminum. Chicks fed the low calcium diet had greater intestinal calbindin protein and mRNA levels relative to the control group in association with a 45% decrease in serum calcium. In contrast, no difference in calbindin protein, and significantly less mRNA were found in the low calcium plus aluminum group compared with controls, despite a decrease in serum calcium similar to that of chicks fed the low calcium diet without aluminum. These results show that in chicks fed a low calcium diet, aluminum intake decreases transcription and/or stability of intestinal calbindin mRNA, and that aluminum may inhibit the expression of vitamin D-dependent genes.

Complex regulation of calcium-binding protein D9k (calbindin-D(9k)) in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and at the site of embryo implantation

Establishment of receptive endometrium is essential for implantation. Our aim was to identify and characterize genes uniquely regulated at the sites of implantation in mouse uterus by RNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR). One of the gene fragments identified was 86% homologous to rat calcium-binding protein D9k (calbindin-D(9k)); the mouse counterpart had not then been cloned, but subsequently an mRNA sequence of mouse calbindin-D(9k) became available in GenBank (accession number: AF028071). This sequence is 99% homologous to the DDPCR-derived gene tag but has a shorter 3' end. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the sequence of 3' end of the DDPCR product and the 5' end of AF028071, and a full cDNA was obtained. This gene was primarily up-regulated by progesterone, but not by estrogen. It was further increased by the combination of the two steroids. Expression of calbindin-D(9k) was overall increased in the uterus during early pregnancy, but the level was significantly lower in implantation compared to interimplantation sites on Days 4.5 and 5.5 of pregnancy, becoming barely detectable in both sites after Day 6.5. In situ hybridization localized this mRNA predominantly in the luminal epithelium of the pregnant uterus. The complex regulation of calbindin-D(9k) in mouse uterus suggests an important role for this protein during pregnancy.

Role of retinoic acid in regulation of mRNA expression of CaBP-D28k in the cerebellum of the chicken

In contrast to vitamin D3-dependent gene expression of calbindin (CaBP-D28k) in intestine and kidney, the cerebellar mRNA expression seems independent of vitamin D3. The present study was conducted to elucidate correlation of mRNA expression of CaBP-D28k and vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) in the kidney and cerebellum of the developing chick by Northern blot analysis, localization of CaBP-D28k mRNA within the cerebellum by in situ hybridization, and effect of retinoic acid in ovo on CaBP-D28k mRNA levels. CaBP-D28k mRNA levels were low in the cerebellum until embryonic day 16 (E16) but markedly increased on E18 and reached plateau levels on E20. VDR mRNA levels were low until E16 and significantly increased on E18 but decreased on E20 and remained low on 1 and 7 days after hatching. In the mesonephros, CaBP-D28k mRNA levels were high until E16 but abruptly decreased on E18, while VDR mRNA levels remained relatively constant throughout the examined period between E10 and 20. In situ hybridization analysis clearly demonstrated CaBP-D28k mRNA signals within the Purkinje cells of the cerebellum in the embryo on E12-E18. Although 1.25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1.25(OH)2D3, 3 x 10(-10) M injected in ovo on E15 increased CaBP-D28k mRNA levels in the mesonephros on E16 but had no effect on those in the cerebellum. On the contrary, in ovo injection of retinoic acid (10(-10) and 10(-8) M) caused no effect on CaBP-D28k mRNA levels in the mesonephros but significantly increased those in the cerebellum. The results indicate a regulatory role of retinoic acid on mRNA expression of CaBP-D28k in the cerebellar Purkinje cells of the chicken embryo.

Oral calcium transiently increases calbindin9k gene expression in adult rat duodena

In rat intestine, the 9 kilodalton calbindin (CaBP9K) is significantly increased in vivo by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1, 25(OH)2D3) through a vitamin D (D) response element located in the 5'-flanking region of the gene. However, in vitro calcium has also been reported to increase CaBP9K gene expression in fetal duodenal culture preparations. The aim of the studies was to investigate whether calcium feeding alone can influence CaBP9K gene expression in vivo in adult rat duodena by evaluating the pattern of expression of its mRNA following short- or long-term exposure to oral calcium, comparing the data to exposure to the known inducer of the gene, 1, 25(OH)2D3. Hypocalcemic D-depleted rats were acutely or chronically supplemented with calcium per os, or with 1,25(OH)2D3 in the presence or absence of oral calcium. Short-term calcium feeding was shown to significantly increase the expression of the CaBP9K gene to a level similar to that observed in 1,25(OH)2D3-treated rats but no additive effect between oral calcium and 1,25(OH)2D3 on the level of its mRNA was observed. Moreover, the calcium effect on CaBP9K gene expression was shown to be independent of the circulating ionized calcium concentration and, contrary to the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3, not sustained following long-term exposure. Our data clearly indicate that oral calcium alone has a significant but only transient effect of the expression of the adult rat intestinal CaBP9K gene in vivo and that maintenance of its expression requires normalization of the D endocrine system.

1,25(OH)2D3-dependent regulation of calbindin-D28k mRNA requires ongoing protein synthesis in chick duodenal organ culture

Organ culture of 19-day-old chick embryo duodena was utilized to evaluate the mechanism of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3)-dependent calbindin-D28k (CaBP) expression. Duodenal CaBP and 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor (VDR) expression were assessed by Western blot analysis, while CaBP and VDR mRNA levels were determined by Northern blot analysis. In untreated duodena, both VDR protein and mRNA were present, while CaBP protein and mRNA were undetectable. Treatment of cultured duodena with 25 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in detectable CaBP mRNA after 4 h which continued to increase during a 24 h time period. Under these conditions, localization of [3H-1 beta]1 alpha,25(OH)2D3 in duodenal chromatin is rapid (< or = 30 min). Thus, the delayed accumulation of detectable CaBP mRNA cannot be explained by slow nuclear binding of 1,25(OH)2D3. The inclusion of 1.6 microM actinomycin D in the organ culture partially inhibited the 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated increase in CaBP mRNA, which implies that there is a transcriptional component involved in the increased CaBP mRNA levels. Similarly, quantitative polymerase chain reaction studies allowed the detection of CaBP pre-mRNA and mRNA sequences 1 h after hormone treatment, suggesting that CaBP gene transcription is initiated rapidly. Treatment of cultures with 36 microM cycloheximide 1 h prior to 1,25(OH)2D3 addition resulted in superinduction of VDR mRNA levels but sharply reduced CaBP steady-state mRNA levels. This dramatic reduction in CaBP mRNA reveals that 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated CaBP expression is dependent on ongoing protein synthesis. Thus, we propose that a labile auxiliary protein or other cofactor, which may or may not be 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent, is necessary for 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated CaBP gene transcription in chick duodena.

Tissue-specific expression of calbindin-D28K gene during ontogeny of the chicken

The vitamin D3-dependent calcium binding protein, calbindin-D28K (CaBP-D28K), plays an important role in transepithelial calcium translocation. To evaluate its role in chick embryonic calcium metabolism, steady-state levels of CaBP-D28K mRNA in various tissues of the chick embryo were determined by Northern blot and slot blot analyses, and CaBP-D28K concentrations in the examined tissues and plasma were estimated by RIA. High levels of CaBP-D28K mRNA were found in the embryonic kidney (mesonephros) on embryonic day (E) 10 and E12 and thereafter gradually decreased until hatching. CaBP-D28K mRNA levels were low in the yolk sac until E16 but increased on E18 and reached a maximum on E20. A steady increase in CaBP-D28K mRNA levels was observed in the cerebellum during the development from E10 to post-hatching. CaBP-D28K mRNA levels in the intestine were very low during the incubation period but significantly increased on days 1 and 7 after hatching. By Northern blot analysis, CaBP-D28K mRNA was barely detectable in liver, heart, and chorioallantoic membrane of the embryonic chick. Changes in immunoreactive CaBP-D28K of each tissue paralleled observed changes in mRNA levels. In plasma, measurable levels of CaBP-D28K were found as early as E8 and were stable until E18, when 6.5-fold increase was observed compared to E16. The highest level of CaBP-D28K in plasma was found on E20 and decreased after hatching. These temporal profiles of CaBP-D28K suggest that it may play an important role in the regulation of chick embryonic calcium homeostasis.

Induction of calbindin D-28K in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells by 1,25(OH)2D3

Renal calbindin D-28K is a calcium binding protein, localized to the distal nephron, whose expression is reduced in vitamin D deficiency and increased upon administration of 1,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D. Investigation into the molecular regulation of renal calbindin D-28K expression has been limited by the lack of an established cell line which expresses calbindin D-28K in a vitamin D responsive manner. In the studies described here, we compared the expression of calbindin D-28K and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in four renal cell lines: Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, LLC-PK1 pig kidney cells and opossum kidney (OK) cells. We report that MDBK cells express the highest relative levels of calbindin D-28K and the VDR, and that 1,25(OH)2D3 increases calbindin D-28K expression in these cells. No expression of calbindin D-28K was detected in MDCK, LLC-PK1 or OK cells. Kinetic studies indicated that calbindin D-28K protein increased with time for up to 24 hours after a single dose of 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-7) M) in MDBK cells. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that in control MDBK cells, the majority of calbindin D-28K was localized in cytosol, with a definite concentration in the peri-nuclear region. In 1,25(OH)2D3 treated cells, calbindin D-28K was enhanced in cytosol and was detected within the nucleus. In contrast to heterogeneous primary culture systems, in which a minority of cells express calbindin D-28K, virtually all MDBK cells expressed calbindin D-28K, even in the absence of 1,25(OH)2D3.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Estrogen and a calcium flux dependent factor modulate the calbindin gene expression in the uterus of laying hens

The dependency of calbindin 28K synthesis on estrogen and vitamin D and its relationship with calcium transfer were investigated in the uterus of laying hens by dot blot hybridization analysis using as a probe a cDNA coding for calbindin. Estrogen stimulated growth of the oviduct and uterine calbindin synthesis in juvenile D-deficient female chicks. In laying hens, calbindin mRNA increased most markedly during shell deposition but calbindin concentrations did not fluctuate during the ovulatory cycle. Suppression of shell formation within a few hours reduced calbindin mRNA levels and lowered uterine calbindin concentrations when egg expulsions were continued for several days. The concentration of calbindin and its mRNA increased when shell formation resumed in hens previously laying shell-less eggs. These increases were maintained in hens parathyroidectomized just before shell resumption. Lowering dietary calcium decreased uterine calcium transfer and calbindin concentration but its mRNA level was unaffected. It is suggested that uterine calbindin synthesis is regulated in a tissue-specific manner through transcriptional mechanisms irrespective of change in vitamin D; calbindin synthesis is stimulated by estrogens as part of its effect on oviductal growth but its regulation predominantly involves a calcium flux dependent factor associated with shell calcification.

Regulation of calbindin D 28K and its mRNA in the intestine of the domestic hen

Intestinal calbindin synthesis in laying hens was analyzed to assess controlling factors operating during egg formation. In the absence of vitamin D, calbindin was not induced by estrogen and testosterone. In immature vitamin D-replete pullet, blood levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 increased in response to estrogen but the duodenal concentration of calbindin and its mRNA were increased only when testosterone was given together with estrogen. The plasma concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3 and the duodenal levels of calbindin and its mRNA were substantially higher in laying hens than in immature pullets. No differences in these parameters were observed between the stages of the ovulatory cycle. Suppression of shell formation for a week decreased the concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of duodenal calbindin but did not affect the level of its mRNA. When egg shell formation resumed in hens previously laying shell-less eggs, the concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 and of calbindin and its mRNA increased toward the end of shell formation. A most important factor regulating intestinal calbindin synthesis in laying hens turned out to be 1,25(OH)2D3. Intestinal calbindin mRNA is more stable in laying hens than in young birds as its concentration declines more slowly when the stimulation provided by 1,25(OH)2D3 is withdrawn, as occurs following suppression of shell formation and after parathyroidectomy in laying birds. Intestinal calbindin mRNA is therefore increased by a process other than increasing 1,25(OH)2D3 formation. The factor influencing the stability of this mRNA in laying hens could be calcium. It is concluded that in hens the increased duodenal calbindin synthesis elicited by plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 at sexual maturity primarily involves a transcriptional process and the stabilization of the mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dietary restriction of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D elicits differential regulation of the mRNAs for avian intestinal calbindin-D28k and the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor

We investigated the regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3]-induced calbindin-D28k (CaBP) and of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) by evaluating CaBP protein, CaBP mRNA, and VDR mRNA under conditions of altered intake of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphorus. Chickens were maintained for 10 days on one of four diets: vitamin D-deficient, normal (1.0% Ca and 1.1% P), low calcium (0.1% Ca and 1.2% P), and low phosphorus (1.1% Ca and 0.3% P). CaBP was undetectable in D-deficient duodena and was elevated above normal values by low-calcium (3.1-fold) and low-phosphorus (2.3-fold) intake. Contradictory to published data, we observed a correlation between CaBP protein and mRNA levels in that the CaBP mRNA was absent in D-deficient intestine and augmented threefold and twofold in low-calcium and low-phosphate duodena, respectively. In contrast, VDR mRNA concentrations were identical in vitamin D-deficient and normal duodena, implying that intestinal VDR is not dependent upon 1,25-(OH)2D3 for basal expression. Chickens fed a low-phosphorus diet displayed a twofold increase in VDR mRNA, but those fed a low-calcium diet exhibited a dramatic decrease in VDR mRNA. These data show that CaBP mRNA and protein levels are modulated in a tightly coupled fashion, and they are consistent with previous conclusions that augmented circulating 1,25-(OH)2D3 stimulates CaBP expression when dietary calcium or phosphorus is limiting. However, a more complex regulation of VDR expression occurs in that low-phosphorus restriction enhances VDR mRNA levels, possibly via increased circulating 1,25-(OH)2D3. Conversely, reduced dietary calcium diminishes VDR mRNA despite increased circulating 1,25-(OH)2D3, indicating that another factor, such as parathyroid hormone, is a predominant downregulator of VDR.

TPA decreases 1,25(OH)2D3 binding and calbindin D-28K in renal (MDBK) cells

The effect of the phorbol ester TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate) on vitamin D receptors (VDRs) was studied in MDBK cells, a normal bovine renal epithelial cell line. 24 h treatment of MDBK cells with TPA resulted in down-regulation of VDR number, with no change in the binding affinity for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) or approximate molecular weight determined by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). TPA treatment also reduced the level of calbindin D-28K, a vitamin D-dependent renal protein. 4 alpha-Phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (4 alpha-PDD), an inactive phorbol ester, did not affect either 1,25(OH)2D3 binding or calbindin D-28K levels. TPA elicited a significant decrease in membrane-associated protein kinase C (PKC) activity which coincided with the reduction in VDR number and calbindin D-28K. These data support a link between TPA, PKC activity and vitamin D actions in kidney.

Transfection of avian vitamin D-dependent calbindin-D28K 5' flanking promoter sequence in primary chick kidney cells

Expression of the vitamin D induced calbindin-D28K protein is transcriptionally controlled by the steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) in a tissue-specific manner in the intestine and kidney. In order to examine the cis-acting elements of the calbindin-D28K promoter and its modulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, chimeric plasmids containing 2.1 kb of 5' flanking region linked to the reporter gene chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) were transfected by lipofection into primary cultures of chick kidney cells. Transfected chick kidney cells exhibited a high basal expression of the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase gene, reflecting the strong activity of the calbindin-D28K promoter. Expression of the pCaBP2.1 reporter gene was increased 2-fold in the presence of the hormone 1,25(OH)2D3 in the primary kidney cells. Deletion of a 1.42 kb fragment ending -679 base pairs upstream from the transcription start site led to a 2-fold repression in the reporter gene activity by the hormone 1,25(OH)2D3 in primary chick kidney cultures. These preliminary results suggest that both positive and negative elements normally act to regulate the expression of the calbindin-D28K gene in primary chick kidney cells.

Modulation of quail intestinal and egg shell gland calbindin (Mr 28,000) gene expression by vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and egg laying

The effects of vitamin D3 sources, egg production and egg cycle on the genomic expression of calbindin (Mr 28,000) in the intestine and egg shell gland (ESG) of quail were characterized by Northern blot and solution hybridization, using synthetic oligonucleotide probe. In vitamin D3- or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-(OH)2D3)-fed quail, onset of egg production induced duodenal and ESG calbindin mRNA and calbindin synthesis. Duodenal calbindin mRNA was slightly higher during the period of shell calcification as compared with the period during which shells were not formed (ESG inactivity). ESG calbindin mRNA was markedly higher during the period of shell calcification than of ESG inactivity. Increasing dietary intake of [3H]1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 increased the duodenal, but not ESG, content of 1,25-(OH)2D3 and calbindin. Duodenal calbindin and its mRNA were absent in vitamin D-deficient quail and were not affected by egg laying. ESG calbindin in the vitamin D-deficient quail was not affected by egg laying, but calbindin mRNA increased in the vitamin D-deficient birds during shell calcification. The results suggest that: (a) intestinal calbindin mRNA and calbindin are induced and/or regulated, either directly or indirectly, by 1,25-(OH)2D3; (b) intestinal calbindin and its mRNA are further induced at the onset of egg laying by an additional stimulator besides 1,25-(OH)2D3; (c) 1,25-(OH)2D3 is required for the expression of the latter stimulator; (d) ESG calbindin mRNA and calbindin are induced in egg-laying birds by a stimulator associated with the egg cycle; and (e) the induction of ESG calbindin mRNA does not need vitamin D metabolites, but 1,25-(OH)2D3 is required for the translation of the mRNA.

Vitamin D-independent expression of chick brain calbindin-D28K

A combination of calbindin-D28K-specific cDNA probes and polyclonal antisera were used to investigate expression of the calbindin-D28K in the vitamin D-deficient avian brain in vivo in response to pharmacological doses of the vitamin D3 metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Serum calcium levels were stimulated (2-fold) and intestinal calbindin-D28K expression (between 10- and 30-fold) by 1,25(OH)2D3 (6.5 nmol/animal) after 12 h. In marked contrast, steady-state whole brain levels of calbindin-D28K as judged by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) remained constant. Northern gel analysis revealed that three species of calbindin-D28K mRNA (2.0, 2.6 and 3.1 kb) were present a priori in the vitamin D-deficient chick brain and that administration of pharmacological doses (6.5 nmol/animal) of 1,25(OH)2D3 failed to influence their relative abundance. Separate but parallel dot blot hybridization analyses also confirmed that brain calbindin-D28K-mRNA levels were not influenced by 1,25(OH)2D3. These experiments demonstrate at the molecular level that, in contrast to the intestine, the gene encoding calbindin-D28K in the brain is regulated by mechanism(s) or factors which are independent of vitamin D status.