Macrophage immunomodulation through new polymers that recapitulate functional effects of itaconate as a power house of innate immunity.

Itaconate (ITA) is an emerging powerhouse of innate immunity with therapeutic potential that is limited in its ability to be administered in a soluble form. We developed a library of polyester materials that incorporate ITA into polymer backbones resulting in materials with inherent immunoregulatory behavior. Harnessing hydrolytic degradation release from polyester backbones, ITA polymers resulted in the mechanism specific immunoregulatory properties on macrophage polarization in vitro. In a functional assay, the polymer-released ITA inhibited bacterial growth on acetate. Translation to an in vivo model of biomaterial associated inflammation, intraperitoneal injection of ITA polymers demonstrated a rapid resolution of inflammation in comparison to a control polymer silicone, demonstrating the value of sustained biomimetic presentation of ITA.

Phorbol myristate acetate activates protein kinase C, stimulates the phosphorylation of endogenous proteins and inhibits phosphate transport in mouse renal tubules.

Calcium-activated, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) has been implicated in the regulation of transport processes in a variety of tissues and cell lines. To establish whether protein kinase C participates in the regulation of renal phosphate transport, we examined the effect of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a potent activator of protein kinase C, on phosphate uptake in fresh preparations of mouse renal tubules, and we correlated the changes in transport activity with protein kinase C activation and phosphorylation of endogenous proteins. PMA inhibited Na+-dependent phosphate transport, elicited a rapid translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction and stimulated the phosphorylation of endogenous substrates in the cytosolic and brush border membrane fractions. Effects of PMA were maximal after a 10 min incubation of the tubules with the activator. 4 alpha-Phorbol, an inert analogue of PMA, did not elicit any of these effects. The present results demonstrate a temporal correlation between inhibition of Na+-dependent phosphate transport, translocation and activation of protein kinase C, and phosphorylation of endogenous proteins in mouse renal tubules. These data suggest that protein kinase C may play a regulatory role in phosphate transport in mammalian kidney.

Inhibition of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase by forskolin: evidence for a 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate-independent mechanism.

Forskolin has long been used to demonstrate the involvement of cAMP in the regulation of cellular function, by virtue of its ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase directly. Recently, however, forskolin has been shown to affect plasma membrane transporter and channel function in a manner unrelated to cAMP. The present study examines whether forskolin-mediated inhibition of a mitochondrial membrane-associated enzyme, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase), also occurs by a cAMP-independent mechanism. Both forskolin and PTH stimulated cAMP accumulation and inhibited 24-hydroxylase activity in a dose-dependent manner in fresh mouse renal tubules. However, the level of inhibition of 24-hydroxylase achieved with forskolin was consistently greater than that obtained with PTH, at comparable levels of cAMP. 1',9'-Dideoxyforskolin, a cyclase-inactive analog of forskolin, also inhibited 24-hydroxylase activity, without stimulating cAMP production. Moreover, both forskolin and 1',9'-dideoxyforskolin directly inhibited 24-hydroxylase in isolated renal mitochondria. Kinetic analysis revealed a competitive mode of inhibition for both agents; however, 1',9'-dideoxyforskolin proved to be a more potent inhibitor of 24-hydroxylase than forskolin (inhibitory constant, 0.25 vs. 22 microM, respectively). Finally, both forskolin and 1',9'-dideoxyforskolin also inhibited inducible 24-hydroxylase in renal tubules prepared from 1,25-(OH)2D3-treated mice. However, inducible 24-hydroxylase activity was less susceptible to inhibition by the diterpenes than the basal enzyme activity. The present study provides evidence for cAMP-independent inhibition of 24-hydroxylase by forskolin and represents the first demonstration of a cAMP-independent effect of forskolin on a protein that is not a plasma membrane-associated transporter or channel. Our data advocate caution in the interpretation of studies using forskolin to assess the role of cAMP in cellular processes.

Evidence for protein kinase C involvement in the regulation of renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase.

Although calcium-activated, phospholipid-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase C) has been implicated in the regulation of various steroidogenic pathways, comparatively little is known of its role in the metabolism of vitamin D. The present study was undertaken to determine whether protein kinase C is involved in the regulation of renal mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase), the first enzyme in the C-24 oxidation pathway, a major catabolic pathway for vitamin D metabolites in kidney and other target tissues. We examined the effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a potent activator of protein kinase C, on 24-hydroxylase activity in fresh mouse renal tubules and correlated the changes in 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24,25-(OH)2D3] production with translocation of protein kinase C and phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins. PMA stimulated 24,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis, protein kinase C translocation from the cytosolic to the mitochondrial fraction, and phosphorylation of 30-35 K, 40 K, and 50 K mitochondrial proteins derived from 32P-labeled tubules. 4 alpha-Phorbol 12,13 didecanoate, an insert analog of PMA, did not elicit any of these effects. The synthetic diacylglycerol, oleoylacetyl glycerol, also stimulated 24,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis, whereas the protein kinase C inhibitors, H-7 and staurosporine, inhibited 24-hydroxylase activity. PMA did not further stimulate 24,25-(OH)2D3 production in tubules derived from mutant (Hyp) mice in which 24-hydroxylase and protein kinase C activities are elevated relative to normal. However, after treatment with H-7, 24-hydroxylase activity was reduced in both strains, and genotype differences were no longer apparent. Finally, H-7 failed to inhibit the induced renal 24-hydroxylase in tubules isolated from 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated mice. These findings suggest a role for protein kinase C in the regulation of constitutive renal 24-hydroxylase and implicate the kinase in the aberrant expression of the hydroxylase in the Hyp mouse.

Renal phosphate transport and vitamin D metabolism in X-linked hypophosphatemic Gy mice: responses to phosphate deprivation.

Two closely linked, nonallelic genes, Gy and Hyp, result in X-linked hypophosphatemia in mice. The present studies in Gy mice were undertaken to determine whether renal brush-border membrane Na(+)-phosphate cotransport kinetics and adaptive responses of renal phosphate transport and vitamin D metabolism to phosphate deprivation are comparable in the two mutant strains. Transport studies in purified brush-border membrane vesicles over a phosphate concentration range of 10-500 microM demonstrated that the apparent maximum velocity of the high affinity transport system is significantly decreased in Gy mice (420 +/- 110 vs. 710 +/- 100 pmol/mg protein.6 sec, Gy vs. normal; mean +/- SE; P less than 0.05), whereas the affinity of the cotransporter for phosphate is unchanged (apparent Km, 25 +/- 3 vs. 27 +/- 2 microM; NS). Feeding a low phosphate diet results in a significant fall in plasma phosphate and an increase in brush-border membrane Na(+)-phosphate cotransport in both normal (568 +/- 40 to 1416 +/- 139 pmol/mg protein.6 sec; P less than 0.01) and Gy mice (407 +/- 27 to 1236 +/- 132 pmol/mg protein.6 sec; P less than 0.01). While the low phosphate diet elicited a rise in plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in normal mice (51 +/- 12 to 158 +/- 12 pM; P less than 0.01), a fall in plasma hormone levels was evident in phosphate-deprived Gy mice (90 +/- 22 to 23 +/- 11 pM; P less than 0.01). Phosphate deprivation decreased 25-hydroxyvitamin D-24-hydroxylase (24-hydroxylase), the first enzyme in the renal vitamin D catabolic pathway, in normal mice (117 +/- 21 to 69 +/- 8 fmol/mg protein.min), but increased enzyme activity in Gy mice (172 +/- 14 to 240 +/- 18 fmol/mg protein.min; P less than 0.05). Moreover, under both dietary conditions, 24-hydroxylase activity was significantly elevated in Gy mice. The present results demonstrate that hypophosphatemia in Gy mice can be attributed to a decrease in the maximum velocity of the high affinity Na(+)-phosphate cotransport process in renal brush-border membranes. Our results also show that while renal brush-border membrane phosphate transport is appropriately modulated by phosphate in Gy mice, phosphate regulation of vitamin D metabolism is apparently impaired in the mutant strain. The present findings provide evidence for phenotypic similarities between murine Gy and Hyp mutations.

Normal 24-hydroxylation of vitamin D metabolites in patients with vitamin D-dependency rickets type I. Structural implications for the vitamin D hydroxylases.

The steady state serum concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25-(OH)2D] is determined by the relative rates of its biosynthesis via the renal mitochondrial 1-hydroxylase and catabolism via renal and target cell 24-hydroxylases. It is not yet known whether the two catalytic activities are mediated by the product of a single gene or products of distinct genes. To address this question, we undertook to assess 24-hydroxylase function in patients with vitamin D-dependency rickets type I (VDDR-I), a Mendelian disorder of 1,25-(OH)2D synthesis attributable to a defect in renal 1-hydroxylase activity. To assess renal 24-hydroxylase activity, we measured the serum concentration of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [24,25-(OH)2D] and its 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) precursor. We also measured target cell, 1,25-(OH)2D3-inducible 24-hydroxylase activity and calcitroic acid production in skin fibroblasts from VDDR-I patients and age- and sex-matched controls. Serum levels of 24,25-(OH)2D and 25OHD were similar in VDDR-I patients and controls [ratio of product to substrate, 0.062 +/- 0.013 (n = 5) vs. 0.067 +/- 0.005 (n = 10), mean +/- SEM, for patients and controls, respectively]. Circulating levels of 1,25-(OH)2D were also comparable in both groups [80.6 +/- 15.5 (n = 5) vs. 86.1 +/- 5.2 (n = 10) pmol/L, for patients and controls, respectively], presumably indicative of compliance with calcitriol therapy. Skin fibroblasts from VDDR-I patients exhibited 24-hydroxylase activity which was indistinguishable from that observed in control fibroblasts [108 +/- 14 (n = 5) vs. 96 +/- 25 fmol/10(6) cells.min (n = 6), for patients and controls, respectively]. Similarly, calcitroic acid production was comparable in fibroblast cultures derived from the two groups of subjects [31 +/- 6 vs. 33 +/- 3 fmol/10(6) cells.min (n = 3), for patients and controls, respectively]. Our data demonstrate that renal and target cell 24-hydroxylase activities are normal in patients with VDDR-I and suggest that the renal 1- and 24-hydroxylases likely represent, or contain, distinct polypeptides encoded by different genes.

Genetic analysis of familial myelodysplastic syndrome: absence of linkage to chromosomes 5q31 and 7q22.

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematological disorder that occurs primarily in the elderly as an acquired, sporadic disease. Familial cases of MDS are rare. We have identified a kindred with three affected individuals, with early age of onset, suggesting a possible inherited predisposition to this disease. Using a molecular genetic approach, we examined whether bands 5q31 or 7q22 or both, the chromosomal regions most frequently associated with sporadic MDS, are involved in familial expression of MDS in this pedigree. Linkage analysis using polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers demonstrated that neither 5q31 nor 7q22 cosegregated with MDS in this family. There was no history of common environmental or occupational exposure among family members with MDS. In addition, analysis of polymorphisms at two loci [glutathione S-transferase T1 and M1 (GSTT1 and GSTM1)] involved in carcinogen detoxification and associated with cancer susceptibility, including increased risk for MDS, showed no evidence for enhanced sensitivity to environmental carcinogens in affected family members. Taken together, our findings suggest that (1) there is an inherited predisposition to MDS in this kindred; and (2) genes at 5q31 and 7q22, the regions most commonly associated with sporadic MDS, are excluded from a causal role in this family's disease.

Differential alterations of ethanolamine and choline phosphoglyceride metabolism by clofibrate and retinoic acid in human fibroblasts are not mediated by phorbol ester-sensitive protein kinase C.

Peroxisomal proliferators and retinoids have been reported to interact to regulate lipid metabolism, particularly beta-oxidation of fatty acids. Based on postulated interactions of these agents at the levels of receptors and response elements, we examined whether interactions exist between the peroxisomal proliferator, clofibrate (CLF), and retinoic acid (RA) in modulation of phospholipid turnover in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Treatment of cultured cells with either 25 microM CLF or 1 microM RA alone decreased [14C]ethanolamine incorporation into ethanolamine phosphoglycerides (EPG) by 20-30%, and simultaneous exposure to both agents resulted in additive inhibition. By contrast, [3H]choline incorporation into phospholipid was stimulated 5-30% by incubation with either agent; when CLF and RA were administered together, the stimulatory effects were additive. Different types of pulse-chase studies examining effects on uptake, biosynthesis, and degradation of labelled phospholipids indicated stimulation of EPG degradation and inhibition of phosphatidylcholine degradation by CLF; no effect on catabolism of either phospholipid was observed with RA. Combinations of modifiers of protein kinase activity [4 beta-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (beta-TPA), 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride, N-(2'-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide hydrochloride, bis-indolylmaleimide, staurosporine indicated that beta-TPA-responsive protein kinases were not involved. Accordingly, CLF and RA regulate biosynthesis and degradation of ethanolamine and choline phosphoglycerides in cultured skin fibroblasts by different mechanisms that do not involve classical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, even though turnover of phospholipids generating lipid activators of PKC occurs.

Familial myelodysplastic syndrome with early age of onset.

A family is described in which three members, the propositus, his brother, and son, developed a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at the ages of 52, 35, and 25, respectively. A fourth member, the paternal uncle of the propositus, was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Two of the three affected Individuals had megaloblastoid marrows with recognizable bone marrow cytogenetic abnormalities and progressive, nonleukemic bone marrow failure. The propositus was unresponsive to G-CSF and eventually died of sepsis. The second affected family member died of bone marrow transplant complications. The third affected family member underwent bone marrow transplantation and is showing signs of graft survival despite minor complications. The affected members of this pedigree appear to represent a continuum in severity of disease and, therefore, pathogenesis. The pattern of inheritance and clinical progression of the disease suggest a genetic defect which may predispose individuals to the development of MDS.

Decreased transport in renal basolateral membrane vesicles from hypertaurinuric mice.

Basolateral membrane vesicles were prepared from mouse kidney by use of a Percoll density gradient method. The preparation was enriched ninefold in Na+-K+-ATPase with minimal contamination by other cellular membranes. The basolateral membranes were a mixture of sealed inside-out and right-side-out vesicles (30%) and leaky vesicles or sheets (70%). Taurine uptake into basolateral membrane vesicles was osmotically sensitive, sodium dependent, temperature sensitive, inhibited by beta-alanine, and saturable (apparent Km, 360 microM; Vmax, 25.4 pmol.mg protein-1.15 s-1), indicating transport by a carrier-mediated process. The function of this transporter was examined in an inbred mouse strain, C57BL/6J, which has selective hypertaurinuria, presumably a result of decreased basolateral membrane permeability to taurine [Rozen et al., Am. J. Physiol. 244 (Renal Fluid Electrolyte Physiol. 13): F150-F155, 1983]. The sodium-dependent component of taurine uptake was significantly lower in C57BL/6J vesicles relative to control (C3H/HeJ strain): 2.9 +/- 0.7 vs. 9.4 +/- 0.3 (SE) pmol.mg protein-1.15 s-1, respectively; P less than 0.001. The interstrain difference in uptake was specific for taurine and could not be ascribed to differences in vesicle purification, integrity, orientation, or size. These findings indicate that the renal basolateral membrane is the site of a transport defect, which explains decreased net taurine reabsorption in vivo in the C57BL/6J strain, and corroborate earlier observations in the renal cortical slice preparation.

The Gy mutation: another cause of X-linked hypophosphatemia in mouse.

An X-linked dominant mutation (gyro, gene symbol Gy) in the laboratory mouse causes hypophosphatemia, rickets/osteomalacia, circling behavior, inner ear abnormalities, and sterility in males and a milder phenotype in females. Gy maps closely (crossover value 0.4-0.8%) to another X-linked gene (Hyp) that also causes hypophosphatemia in the mouse. Gy and Hyp genes have similar quantitative expression in serum phosphorus values, renal excretion of phosphate, and impairment of Na+/phosphate cotransport by renal brush-border membrane vesicles. These findings indicate that independent translation products of two X-linked genes serve phosphate transport in mouse kidney and thereby control phosphate content of extracellular fluid. The Gy translation product, unlike the Hyp product, is also expressed in the inner ear. These findings have implications for our understanding of the human counterpart known as "X-linked hypophosphatemia."