Short carboxyl terminal parathyroid hormone peptides modulate human parathyroid hormone signaling in mouse osteoblasts.

BACKGROUND: Novel human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) peptides of unknown biological activity have recently been identified in the serum of subjects with normal renal function, chronic renal failure, and end-stage renal disease through the application of liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. PURPOSE: of experiments: To determine the bioactivity of these peptides, we synthesized hPTH28-84, hPTH38-84, and hPTH45-84 peptides by solid phase peptide synthesis and tested their bioactivity in MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblasts, either individually or together with the native hormone, hPTH1-84, by assessing the accumulation of 3´,5´-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity. RESULTS: Increasing doses of hPTH1-84 (1-100 nM) increased the accumulation of cAMP and alkaline phosphatase activity in osteoblasts. hPTH28-84, hPTH38-84, and hPTH45-84 in concentrations of 1-100 nM were biologically inert. Surprisingly, 100 nM hPTH38-84 and hPTH45-84 increased the accumulation of cAMP in osteoblasts treated with increasing amounts of hPTH1-84. Human PTH28-84 had no effects on cAMP activity alone or in combination with hPTH1-84. Conversely, 100 nM hPTH38-84, hPTH45-84, and hPTH28-84 blocked the activation of alkaline phosphatase activity by hPTH1-84. CONCLUSIONS: The data show that the short carboxyl-terminal hPTH peptides, hPTH38-84 and hPTH45-84, increase the amount of cellular cAMP generated in cultured osteoblasts in response to treatment with full-length hPTH1-84 when compared to full-length hPTH1-84 alone. Human PTH28-84 had no effect on cAMP activity alone or in combination with hPTH1-84. Human PTH28-84, hPTH38-84 and hPTH45-84 reduced the effects of hPTH1-84 in osteoblasts with respect to the induction of alkaline phosphatase activity compared to hPTH1-84 alone. Short carboxyl peptides of human PTH are biologically inert but when administered together with full-length hPTH1-84 modulate the bioactivity of hPTH1-84 in osteoblasts.

Cryo-EM reveals conformational flexibility in apo DNA polymerase ζ.

The translesion synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerases Rev1 and Polζ function together in DNA lesion bypass during DNA replication, acting as nucleotide inserter and extender polymerases, respectively. While the structural characterization of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Polζ in its DNA-bound state has illuminated how this enzyme synthesizes DNA, a mechanistic understanding of TLS also requires probing conformational changes associated with DNA- and Rev1 binding. Here, we used single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine the structure of the apo Polζ holoenzyme. We show that compared with its DNA-bound state, apo Polζ displays enhanced flexibility that correlates with concerted motions associated with expansion of the Polζ DNA-binding channel upon DNA binding. We also identified a lysine residue that obstructs the DNA-binding channel in apo Polζ, suggesting a gating mechanism. The Polζ subunit Rev7 is a hub protein that directly binds Rev1 and is a component of several other protein complexes such as the shieldin DNA double-strand break repair complex. We analyzed the molecular interactions of budding yeast Rev7 in the context of Polζ and those of human Rev7 in the context of shieldin using a crystal structure of Rev7 bound to a fragment of the shieldin-3 protein. Overall, our study provides new insights into Polζ mechanism of action and the manner in which Rev7 recognizes partner proteins.

Muscle-specific deletion of the vitamin D receptor in mice is associated with diaphragm muscle weakness.

Diseases or conditions where diaphragm muscle (DIAm) function is impaired, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cachexia, asthma, and aging, are associated with an increased risk of pulmonary symptoms, longer duration of hospitalizations, and increasing requirements for mechanical ventilation. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with proximal muscle weakness that resolves following therapy with vitamin D3. Skeletal muscle expresses the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which responds to the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 by altering gene expression in target cells. In knockout mice without skeletal muscle VDRs, there is marked atrophy of muscle fibers and a change in skeletal muscle biochemistry. We used a tamoxifen-inducible skeletal muscle Cre recombinase in Vdrfl/fl mice (Vdrfl/fl actin.iCre+) to assess the role of muscle-specific VDR signaling on DIAm-specific force, fatigability, and fiber type-dependent morphology. Vdrfl/fl actin.iCre+ mice treated with vehicle and Vdrfl/fl mice treated with tamoxifen served as controls. Seven days following the final treatment, mice were euthanized, the DIAm was removed, and isometric force and fatigue were assessed in DIAm strips using direct muscle stimulation. The proportion and cross-sectional areas of DIAm fiber types were evaluated by immunolabeling with myosin heavy chain antibodies differentiating type I, IIa and IIx, and/or IIb fibers. We show that in mice with skeletal muscle-specific VDR deletion, maximum specific force and residual force following fatigue are impaired, along with a selective atrophy of type IIx and/or IIb fibers. These results show that the VDR has a significant biological effect on DIAm function independent of systemic effects on mineral metabolism.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms are associated with adverse pulmonary and diaphragm muscle (DIAm)-associated respiratory outcomes. We used a skeletal muscle-specific tamoxifen-inducible VDR knockout to investigate DIAm dysfunction following reduced VDR signaling. Marked DIAm weakness and atrophy of type IIx and/or IIb fibers are present in muscle-specific tamoxifen-induced VDR knockout mice compared with controls. These results show that the VDR has a significant biological effect on DIAm function independent of systemic effects on mineral metabolism.

Impaired cardiac performance, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial function in tumor-bearing mice.

BACKGROUND: To understand the underlying mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction in cancer, we examined cardiac function, protein synthesis, mitochondrial function and gene expression in a model of heart failure in mice injected with Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Seven week-old C57BL/J6 male and female mice were injected with LLC1 cells or vehicle. Cardiac ejection fraction, ventricular wall and septal thickness were reduced in male, but not female, tumor-bearing mice compared to vehicle-injected control mice. Cardiac protein synthesis was reduced in tumor-bearing male mice compared to control mice (p = 0.025). Aspect ratio and form factor of cardiac mitochondria from the tumor-bearing mice were increased compared control mice (p = 0.042 and p = 0.0032, respectively) indicating a more fused mitochondrial network in the hearts of tumor-bearing mice. In cultured cardiomyocytes maximal oxygen consumption and mitochondrial reserve capacity were reduced in cells exposed to tumor cell-conditioned medium compared to non-conditioned medium (p = 0.0059, p = 0.0010). Whole transcriptome sequencing of cardiac ventricular muscle from tumor-bearing vs. control mice showed altered expression of 1648 RNA transcripts with a false discovery rate of less than 0.05. Of these, 54 RNA transcripts were reduced ≤ 0.5 fold, and 3 RNA transcripts were increased by ≥1.5-fold in tumor-bearing mouse heart compared to control. Notably, the expression of mRNAs for apelin (Apln), the apelin receptor (Aplnr), the N-myc proto-oncogene, early growth protein (Egr1), and the transcription factor Sox9 were reduced by >50%, whereas the mRNA for growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible, beta (Gadd45b) is increased >2-fold, in ventricular tissue from tumor-bearing mice compared to control mice. CONCLUSIONS: Lung tumor cells induce heart failure in male mice in association with reduced protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, and the expression of the mRNAs for inotropic and growth factors. These data provide new mechanistic insights into cancer-associated heart failure that may help unlock treatment options for this condition.

Lung tumor cells inhibit bone mineralization and osteoblast activity.

Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) often develop skeletal complications and fractures. To understand mechanisms of bone loss, we developed a murine model of non-metastatic NSLC. Decreased bone mineral density, trabecular thickness and mineralization, without an increase in bone resorption, were observed in vivo in mice injected with Lewis lung adenocarcinoma (LLC1) cells in the absence of tumor cell metastases. A decrease in trabecular bone mineral density was observed in mice injected with cell-free LLC1 CM. Plasma osteoblast biomarkers and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP) were reduced, and parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, calcium and phosphate concentrations were normal in tumor-bearing mice. LLC1 cell conditioned medium (CM) inhibited alkaline phosphatase activity, osteoblast mineralization, and expression of Alpl and Ocn/Bglap mRNA in MC3T3 osteoblast cultures, whereas non-CM or CM from NIH/3T3 fibroblasts did not induce similar changes. LLC1 CM reduced Wnt3a-stimulated Tcf/Lef reporter plasmid activity and Wnt5A, Tcf1 and Lef1 mRNA expression in MC3T3 cells. Although concentrations of the Wnt inhibitor, DKK2, were increased in LLC1 CM compared to non-CM, depletion of DKK2 from LLC1 CM did not completely restore Wnt3a activity in MC3T3 cultures, and recombinant DKK2 failed to inhibit osteoblast mineralization. The data indicate that in a model of lung adenocarcinoma without bone metastases, tumor cells elaborate a secreted factor(s) that reduces bone mass, bone formation and osteoblast Wnt signaling without increases in bone resorption or calcium-regulating hormone concentrations. The factor(s) mediating this inhibition of osteoblast mineralization require further characterization.

1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 mitigates cancer cell mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal muscle cells.

Cancer cachexia is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy. We investigated whether 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), which has previously been shown to increase skeletal myoblast oxygen consumption rate, could reverse the deleterious effects of tumor cell conditioned medium on myoblast function. Conditioned medium from Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) cells inhibits oxygen consumption, increases mitochondrial fragmentation, inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase activity, and enhances proteasomal activity in human skeletal muscle myoblasts. 1α,25(OH)2D3 reverses the tumor cell-mediated changes in mitochondrial oxygen consumption and proteasomal activity, without changing pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. 1α,25(OH)2D3 might be useful in treatment of weakness seen in association with CC.

Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry Reveals Calcium Binding Properties and Allosteric Regulation of Downstream Regulatory Element Antagonist Modulator (DREAM).

Downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator (DREAM) is an EF-hand Ca2+-binding protein that also binds to a specific DNA sequence, downstream regulatory elements (DRE), and thereby regulates transcription in a calcium-dependent fashion. DREAM binds to DRE in the absence of Ca2+ but detaches from DRE under Ca2+ stimulation, allowing gene expression. The Ca2+ binding properties of DREAM and the consequences of the binding on protein structure are key to understanding the function of DREAM. Here we describe the application of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the Ca2+ binding properties and the subsequent conformational changes of full-length DREAM. We demonstrate that all EF-hands undergo large conformation changes upon calcium binding even though the EF-1 hand is not capable of binding to Ca2+. Moreover, EF-2 is a lower-affinity site compared to EF-3 and -4 hands. Comparison of HDX profiles between wild-type DREAM and two EF-1 mutated constructs illustrates that the conformational changes in the EF-1 hand are induced by long-range structural interactions. HDX analyses also reveal a conformational change in an N-terminal leucine-charged residue-rich domain (LCD) remote from Ca2+-binding EF-hands. This LCD domain is responsible for the direct interaction between DREAM and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and regulates the recruitment of the co-activator, CREB-binding protein. These long-range interactions strongly suggest how conformational changes transmit the Ca2+ signal to CREB-mediated gene transcription.

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Regulates Mitochondrial Oxygen Consumption and Dynamics in Human Skeletal Muscle Cells.

Muscle weakness and myopathy are observed in vitamin D deficiency and chronic renal failure, where concentrations of the active vitamin D3 metabolite, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), are low. To evaluate the mechanism of action of 1α,25(OH)2D3 in skeletal muscle, we examined mitochondrial oxygen consumption, dynamics, and biogenesis and changes in expression of nuclear genes encoding mitochondrial proteins in human skeletal muscle cells following treatment with 1α,25(OH)2D3. The mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) increased in 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated cells. Vitamin D3 metabolites lacking a 1α-hydroxyl group (vitamin D3, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) decreased or failed to increase OCR. 1α-Hydroxyvitamin D3 did not increase OCR. In 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated cells, mitochondrial volume and branching and expression of the pro-fusion protein OPA1 (optic atrophy 1) increased, whereas expression of the pro-fission proteins Fis1 (fission 1) and Drp1 (dynamin 1-like) decreased. Phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) (Ser-293) and PDH kinase 4 (PDK4) decreased in 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated cells. There was a trend to increased PDH activity in 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated cells (p = 0.09). 83 nuclear mRNAs encoding mitochondrial proteins were changed following 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment; notably, PDK4 mRNA decreased, and PDP2 mRNA increased. MYC, MAPK13, and EPAS1 mRNAs, which encode proteins that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, were increased following 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Vitamin D receptor-dependent changes in the expression of 1947 mRNAs encoding proteins involved in muscle contraction, focal adhesion, integrin, JAK/STAT, MAPK, growth factor, and p53 signaling pathways were observed following 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment. Five micro-RNAs were induced or repressed by 1α,25(OH)2D3. 1α,25(OH)2D3 regulates mitochondrial function, dynamics, and enzyme function, which are likely to influence muscle strength.

Deletion of the intestinal plasma membrane calcium pump, isoform 1, Atp2b1, in mice is associated with decreased bone mineral density and impaired responsiveness to 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

The physiological importance of the intestinal plasma membrane calcium pump, isoform 1, (Pmca1, Atp2b1), in calcium absorption and homeostasis has not been previously demonstrated in vivo. Since global germ-line deletion of the Pmca1 in mice is associated with embryonic lethality, we selectively deleted the Pmca1 in intestinal absorptive cells. Mice with loxP sites flanking exon 2 of the Pmca1 gene (Pmca1(fl/fl)) were crossed with mice expressing Cre recombinase in the intestine under control of the villin promoter to give mice in which the Pmca1 had been deleted in the intestine (Pmca1(EKO) mice). Pmca1(EKO) mice were born at a reduced frequency and were small at the time of birth when compared to wild-type (Wt) littermates. At two months of age, Pmca1(EKO) mice fed a 0.81% calcium, 0.34% phosphorus, normal vitamin D diet had reduced whole body bone mineral density (P < 0.037), and reduced femoral bone mineral density (P < 0.015). There was a trend towards lower serum calcium and higher serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3) concentrations in Pmca1(EKO) mice compared to Wt mice but the changes were not statistically significant. The urinary phosphorus/creatinine ratio was increased in Pmca1(EKO) mice (P < 0.004). Following the administration of 200 ng of 1α,25(OH)2D3 intraperitoneally to Wt mice, active intestinal calcium transport increased ∼2-fold, whereas Pmca1(EKO) mice administered an equal amount of 1α,25(OH)2D3 failed to show an increase in active calcium transport. Deletion of the Pmca1 in the intestine is associated with reduced growth and bone mineralization, and a failure to up-regulate calcium absorption in response to 1α,25(OH)2D3.

Alterations in vitamin D metabolite, parathyroid hormone and fibroblast growth factor-23 concentrations in sclerostin-deficient mice permit the maintenance of a high bone mass.

Humans with mutations of the sclerostin (SOST) gene, and knockout animals in which the Sost gene has been experimentally deleted, exhibit an increase in bone mass. We review the mechanisms by which Sost knockout mice are able to accrete increased amounts of calcium and phosphorus required for the maintenance of a high bone mass. Recently published information from our laboratory, shows that bone mass is increased in Sost-deficient mice through an increase in osteoblast and a decrease in osteoclast activity, which is mediated by activation of ß-catenin and an increase in prostacyclin synthesis in osteocytes and osteoblasts. The increases in calcium and phosphorus retention required for enhanced bone mineral accretion are brought about by changes in the vitamin D endocrine system, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). Thus, in Sost knockout mice, concentrations of serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) are increased and concentrations of FGF-23 are decreased thereby allowing a positive calcium and phosphorus balance. Additionally, in the absence of Sost expression, urinary calcium is decreased, either through a direct effect of sclerostin on renal calcium handling, or through its effect on the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D. Adaptations in vitamin D, PTH and FGF-23 physiology occur in the absence of sclerostin expression and mediate increased calcium and phosphorus retention required for the increase in bone mineralization. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled '17th Vitamin D Workshop'.

Enhanced prostacyclin formation and Wnt signaling in sclerostin deficient osteocytes and bone.

We show that prostacyclin production is increased in bone and osteocytes from sclerostin (Sost) knockout mice which have greatly increased bone mass. The addition of prostacyclin or a prostacyclin analog to bone forming osteoblasts enhances differentiation and matrix mineralization of osteoblasts. The increase in prostacyclin synthesis is linked to increases in ß-catenin concentrations and activity as shown by enhanced binding of lymphoid enhancer factor, Lef1, to promoter elements within the prostacyclin synthase promoter. Blockade of Wnt signaling reduces prostacyclin production in osteocytes. Increased prostacyclin production by osteocytes from sclerostin deficient mice could potentially contribute to the increased bone formation seen in this condition.

Detection of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-regulated miRNAs in zebrafish by whole transcriptome sequencing.

The sterol hormone, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α,25(OH)2D3), regulates gene expression and messenger RNA (mRNA) concentrations in zebrafish in vivo. Since mRNA concentrations and translation are influenced by micro-RNAs (miRNAs), we examined the influence of 1α,25(OH)2D3 on miRNA expression in zebrafish in vivo with whole transcriptome RNA sequencing, searched for miRNA binding sites in 1α,25(OH)2D3-sensitive genes, and performed correlation analyses between 1α,25(OH)2D3-sensitive miRNAs and mRNAs. In vehicle- and 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated, 7-day postfertilization larvae, between 282 and 295 known precursor miRNAs were expressed, and in vehicle- and 1α,25(OH)2D3-treated fish, between 83 and 122 novel miRNAs were detected. Following 1α,25(OH)2D3 treatment, 31 precursor miRNAs were differentially expressed (p<0.05). The differentially expressed miRNAs are predicted to potentially alter mRNAs for metabolic enzymes, transcription factors, growth factors, and Jak-STAT signaling. We verified the role of a 1α,25(OH)2D3-sensitive miRNA, miR125b, by demonstrating alterations in the concentrations of the mRNA of a 1α,25(OH)2D3-regulated gene, Cyp24a1, following transfection of renal cells with a miR125b miRNA mimic. Changes in the Cyp24a1 mRNA concentration by the miR125b miRNA mimic were associated with changes in the protein for Cyp24a1. Our data show that 1α,25(OH)2D3 regulates miRNA in zebrafish larvae in vivo and could thereby influence vitamin D-sensitive mRNA concentrations.

The regulation of apoptosis by the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator/potassium channel interacting protein 3 (DREAM/KChIP3) through interactions with hexokinase I.

The EF-hand protein, DREAM/KChIP3 (henceforth referred to as DREAM), regulates apoptosis by incompletely understood mechanisms. We demonstrate that in the presence of Ca2+, DREAM interacts with hexokinase I, a protein known to bind mitochondria and regulate apoptosis. A mutant DREAM protein construct incapable of binding Ca2+ does not associate with hexokinase I. The amino-terminal portion of DREAM is required for binding to hexokinase I, as a DREAM construct lacking the first 94 amino terminal residues fails to bind hexokinase I. Expression of DREAM in neuroblastoma cells enhances cisplatin mediated caspase-3 activity. Simultaneous expression of hexokinase I in such cells reduces DREAM-stimulated apoptosis. DREAM overexpression in neuroblastoma cells reduces hexokinase I localization on isolated mitochondria. The interaction of DREAM with hexokinase I may be important in the regulation of neuronal apoptosis.

Sclerostin alters serum vitamin D metabolite and fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations and the urinary excretion of calcium.

Inactivating mutations of the SOST (sclerostin) gene are associated with overgrowth and sclerosis of the skeleton. To determine mechanisms by which increased amounts of calcium and phosphorus are accreted to enable enhanced bone mineralization in the absence of sclerostin, we measured concentrations of calciotropic and phosphaturic hormones, and urine and serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus in mice in which the sclerostin (sost) gene was replaced by the ß-D-galactosidase (lacZ) gene in the germ line. Knockout (KO) (sost(-/-)) mice had increased bone mineral density and content, increased cortical and trabecular bone thickness, and greater net bone formation as a result of increased osteoblast and decreased osteoclast surfaces compared with wild-type (WT) mice. ß-Galactosidase activity was detected in osteocytes of sost KO mice but was undetectable in WT mice. Eight-week-old, male sost KO mice had increased serum 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, decreased 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, decreased intact fibroblast growth factor 23, and elevated inorganic phosphorus concentrations compared with age-matched WT mice. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D 1α-hydroxylase cytochrome P450 (cyp27B1) mRNA was increased in kidneys of sost KO mice compared with WT mice. Treatment of cultured proximal tubule cells with mouse recombinant sclerostin decreased cyp27B1 mRNA transcripts. Urinary calcium and renal fractional excretion of calcium were decreased in sost KO mice compared with WT mice. Sost KO and WT mice had similar serum calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations. The data show that sclerostin not only alters bone mineralization, but also influences mineral metabolism by altering concentrations of hormones that regulate mineral accretion.

The potassium channel interacting protein 3 (DREAM/KChIP3) heterodimerizes with and regulates calmodulin function.

Downstream regulatory element antagonistic modulator (DREAM/KChIP3), a neuronal EF-hand protein, modulates pain, potassium channel activity, and binds presenilin 1. Using affinity capture of neuronal proteins by immobilized DREAM/KChIP3 in the presence and absence of calcium (Ca(2+)) followed by mass spectroscopic identification of interacting proteins, we demonstrate that in the presence of Ca(2+), DREAM/KChIP3 interacts with the EF-hand protein, calmodulin (CaM). The interaction of DREAM/KChIP3 with CaM does not occur in the absence of Ca(2+). In the absence of Ca(2+), DREAM/KChIP3 binds the EF-hand protein, calcineurin subunit-B. Ca(2+)-bound DREAM/KChIP3 binds CaM with a dissociation constant of ∼3 µM as assessed by changes in DREAM/KChIP3 intrinsic protein fluorescence in the presence of CaM. Two-dimensional (1)H,(15)N heteronuclear single quantum coherence spectra reveal changes in chemical shifts and line broadening upon the addition of CaM to (15)N DREAM/KChIP3. The amino-terminal portion of DREAM/KChIP3 is required for its binding to CaM because a construct of DREAM/KChIP3 lacking the first 94 amino-terminal residues fails to bind CaM as assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The addition of Ca(2+)-bound DREAM/KChIP3 increases the activation of calcineurin (CN) by calcium CaM. A DREAM/KChIP3 mutant incapable of binding Ca(2+) also stimulates calmodulin-dependent CN activity. The shortened form of DREAM/KChIP3 lacking the NH(2)-terminal amino acids fails to activate CN in the presence of calcium CaM. Our data demonstrate the interaction of DREAM/KChIP3 with the important EF-hand protein, CaM, and show that the interaction alters CN activity.

Research resource: whole transcriptome RNA sequencing detects multiple 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)-sensitive metabolic pathways in developing zebrafish.

The biological role of vitamin D receptors (VDR), which are abundantly expressed in developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) as early as 48 h after fertilization, and before the development of a mineralized skeleton and mature intestine and kidney, is unknown. We probed the role of VDR in developing zebrafish biology by examining changes in expression of RNA by whole transcriptome shotgun sequencing (RNA-seq) in fish treated with picomolar concentrations of the VDR ligand and hormonal form of vitamin D(3), 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) [1α,25(OH)(2)D(3))].We observed significant changes in RNAs of transcription factors, leptin, peptide hormones, and RNAs encoding proteins of fatty acid, amino acid, xenobiotic metabolism, receptor-activator of NFκB ligand (RANKL), and calcitonin-like ligand receptor pathways. Early highly restricted, and subsequent massive changes in more than 10% of expressed cellular RNA were observed. At days post fertilization (dpf) 2 [24 h 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treatment], only four RNAs were differentially expressed (hormone vs. vehicle). On dpf 4 (72 h treatment), 77 RNAs; on dpf 6 (120 h treatment) 1039 RNAs; and on dpf 7 (144 h treatment), 2407 RNAs were differentially expressed in response to 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3). Fewer RNAs (n = 481) were altered in dpf 7 larvae treated for 24 h with 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) vs. those treated with hormone for 144 h. At dpf 7, in 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3)-treated larvae, pharyngeal cartilage was larger and mineralization was greater. Changes in expression of RNAs for transcription factors, peptide hormones, and RNAs encoding proteins integral to fatty acid, amino acid, leptin, calcitonin-like ligand receptor, RANKL, and xenobiotic metabolism pathways, demonstrate heretofore unrecognized mechanisms by which 1α,25(OH)(2)D(3) functions in vivo in developing eukaryotes.

Expression of sclerostin in the developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) brain and skeleton.

Sclerostin is a highly conserved, secreted, cystine-knot protein which regulates osteoblast function. Humans with mutations in the sclerostin gene (SOST), manifest increased axial and appendicular skeletal bone density with attendant complications. In adult bone, sclerostin is expressed in osteocytes and osteoblasts. Danio rerio sclerostin-like protein is closely related to sea bass sclerostin, and is related to chicken and mammalian sclerostins. Little is known about the expression of sclerostin in early developing skeletal or extra-skeletal tissues. We assessed sclerostin (sost) gene expression in developing zebrafish (D. rerio) embryos with whole mount is situ hybridization methods. The earliest expression of sost mRNA was noted during 12h post-fertilization (hpf). At 15 hpf, sost mRNA was detected in the developing nervous system and in Kupffer's vesicle. At 18, 20 and 22 hpf, expression in rhombic lip precursors was seen. By 24 hpf, expression in the upper and lower rhombic lip and developing spinal cord was noted. Expression in the rhombic lip and spinal cord persisted through 28 hpf and then diminished in intensity through 44 hpf. At 28 hpf, sost expression was noted in developing pharyngeal cartilage; expression in pharyngeal cartilage increased with time. By 48 hpf, sost mRNA was clearly detected in the developing pharyngeal arch cartilage. Sost mRNA was abundantly expressed in the pharyngeal arch cartilage, and in developing pectoral fins, 72, 96 and 120 hpf. Our study is the first detailed analysis of sost gene expression in early metazoan development.

The sclerostin-bone protein interactome.

The secreted glycoprotein, sclerostin alters bone formation. To gain insights into the mechanism of action of sclerostin, we examined the interactions of sclerostin with bone proteins using a sclerostin affinity capture technique. Proteins from decalcified rat bone were captured on a sclerostin-maltose binding protein (MBP) amylose column, or on a MBP amylose column. The columns were extensively washed with low ionic strength buffer, and bound proteins were eluted with buffer containing 1M sodium chloride. Eluted proteins were separated by denaturing sodium-dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis and were identified by mass spectrometry. Several previously unidentified full-length sclerostin-interacting proteins such as alkaline phosphatase, carbonic anhydrase, gremlin-1, fetuin A, midkine, annexin A1 and A2, and collagen α1, which have established roles in bone formation or resorption processes, were bound to the sclerostin-MBP amylose resin but not to the MBP amylose resin. Other full-length sclerostin-interacting proteins such as casein kinase II and secreted frizzled related protein 4 that modulate Wnt signaling were identified. Several peptides derived from proteins such as Phex, asporin and follistatin that regulate bone metabolism also bound sclerostin. Sclerostin interacts with multiple proteins that alter bone formation and resorption and is likely to function by altering several biologically relevant pathways in bone.

Sclerostin-erbB-3 interactions: modulation of erbB-3 activity by sclerostin.

To gain insights into the mechanism of action of sclerostin, a protein that regulates bone mass, we performed yeast two-hybrid analyses using human SOST (sclerostin) cDNA cloned into pGBKT7 DNA-binding domain vector as a bait, and a normalized, high-complexity, universal cDNA library in a GAL4 activating domain vector. We identified an interaction between sclerostin and the carboxyl-terminal portion of the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-3. To determine the biological relevance of this interaction, we treated MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblast cells transfected with either a SOST expression plasmid or a control vector, with recombinant heregulin/neuregulin. Phospho-p44/42 (Thr202/Tyr204) MAPK was assessed in heregulin/neuregulin treated cells. We observed an increase in phospho-p44/42 (Thr202/Tyr204) MAPK concentrations in SOST transfected cells but not in cells transfected with a control vector, thus demonstrating a modulatory effect of sclerostin on heregulin/neuregulin signaling in osteoblasts. The data demonstrate that sclerostin functions in part, by modulating the activity of erbB-3.

Sclerostin binds and regulates the activity of cysteine-rich protein 61.

Sclerostin, a secreted glycoprotein, regulates osteoblast function. Using yeast two-hybrid and direct protein interaction analyses, we demonstrate that sclerostin binds the Wnt-modulating and Wnt-modulated, extracellular matrix protein, cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61, CCN1), which regulates mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation, osteoblast and osteoclast function, and angiogenesis. Sclerostin was shown to inhibit Cyr61-mediated fibroblast attachment, and Cyr61 together with sclerostin increases vascular endothelial cell migration and increases osteoblast cell division. The data show that sclerostin binds to and influences the activity of Cyr61.