Sandra Reichrath

Tumor suppression in skin and other tissues via cross-talk between vitamin D- and p53-signaling.

P53 and its family members have been implicated in the direct regulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Vitamin D- and p53-signaling pathways have a significant impact on spontaneous or carcinogen-induced malignant transformation of cells, with VDR and p53 representing important tumor suppressors. VDR and the p53/p63/p73 proteins all function typically as receptors or sensors that turn into transcriptional regulators upon stimulus, with the main difference being that the nuclear VDR is activated as a transcription factor after binding its naturally occurring ligand 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D with high affinity while the p53 family of transcription factors, mostly in the nucleoplasm, responds to a large number of alterations in cell homeostasis commonly referred to as stress. An increasing body of evidence now convincingly demonstrates a cross-talk between vitamin D- and p53-signaling that occurs at different levels, has genome-wide implications and that should be of high importance for many malignancies, including non-melanoma skin cancer. One interaction involves the ability of p53 to increase skin pigmentation via POMC derivatives including alpha-MSH and ACTH. Pigmentation protects the skin against UV-induced DNA damage and skin carcinogenesis, yet on the other hand reduces cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. A second level of interaction may be through the ability of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D to increase the survival of skin cells after UV irradiation. UV irradiation-surviving cells show significant reductions in thymine dimers in the presence of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D that are associated with increased nuclear p53 protein expression, and significantly reduced NO products. A third level of interaction is documented by the ability of vitamin D compounds to regulate the expression of the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) gene in dependence of the presence of wild-type p53. MDM2 has a well-established role as a key negative regulator of p53 activity. Finally, p53 and family members have been implicated in the direct regulation of VDR. This overview summarizes some of the implications of the cross-talk between vitamin D- and p53-signaling for carcinogenesis in the skin and other tissues.

Notch- and vitamin D signaling in 1,25(OH)2D3-resistant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines.

Recently, an important role of Notch activation for Ras-induced transformation of glial cells and for glioma growth and survival has been demonstrated. It was concluded that activation of Notch-signaling may represent a new target for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) therapy. We now analyzed five GBM cell lines (Tx3095, Tx3868, U87, U118, U373) for key components of Notch-signaling pathways (Notch-1, Notch-2, Notch-3, Notch-4, Delta-like 1, Delta-like 3, Delta-like 4, Jagged-1, Jagged-2) using conventional RT-PCR. We found that some components (Notch-1, Notch-2, Notch-4, Jagged-1) were consistently expressed in all cell lines analyzed while, in contrast, other key components of Notch-signaling were differentially expressed. Notch-3 was expressed in three out of five cell lines (in U87, U118 and U373), but was missing in Tx3095 and Tx3868 cells. Jagged-2 was expressed in U87, U373 and Tx3868, but not in U118 or Tx3095 cells. Delta-like 1 and Delta-like 3 were not detected in Tx3905 cells, but in all other cell lines. RNA for Delta-like 4 was only found in U373 and Tx3868 GBM cell lines. Treating GBM cell lines with 1,25(OH)2D3 (10(-6), 10(-8), and 10(-10) M), the biologically active form of vitamin D, did not result in significant dose- or time-dependent antiproliferative effects, indicating that GBM cell lines are resistant against the antiproliferative activity of 1,25(OH)2D3. In vitro treatment of GBM cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 did not result in a modulation of the expression of key components of the Notch-signaling pathway. Treatment with HDAC-inhibitor TSA or DNA-methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza exerted dose- and time-dependent antiproliferative effects on GBM cell lines. We asked the question whether the resistance against 1,25(OH)2D3 could be restored by co-treatment with TSA or 5-aza. However, combination therapy with 1,25(OH)2D3 and TSA or 5-aza did not result in enhanced antiproliferative effects as compared to treatment with TSA or 5-aza alone. In contrast, antiproliferative effects of TSA and 5-aza were partially antagonized by concomitant treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, indicating a protective effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 against the antiproliferative effects of TSA and 5-aza in GBM cell lines. In conclusion, our findings point at a differential expression of key components of Notch-signaling in GBM cell lines that may be of importance for the growth characteristics of GBM. Our findings indicate that GBM cell lines are resistant against the antiproliferative effects of 1,25(OH)2D3, and that this resistance may not be overcome by modulation of epigenetic silencing. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that modulation of Notch-signaling pathways by 1,25(OH)2D3 may regulate growth of GBM cell lines.

Notch signaling in embryology and cancer

The Molecular Basis of Notch Signaling: A Brief Overview.- The Role of Adams in Notch Signaling.- Metabolism and Transportation Pathways of GDP-Fucose that are Required for the O-Fucosylation of Notch.- Notch Signaling and the Generation of Cell Diversity in Drosophila Neuroblast Lineages.- NEPRO: A Novel Notch Effector for Maintenance of Neural Progenitor Cells in the Neocortex.- Notch Signaling and Development of the Hematopoietic System.- Notch Signaling in Lung Development and Disease.- The Role of Notch Signaling in Kidney Development and Disease.- Notch Signaling and the Developing Skeleton.- Notch Signaling and the Developing Skin Epidermis.- Notch Signaling and the Developing Hair Follicle.- Notch Signaling and the Developing Inner Ear.- Notch Signaling in Cancer Stem Cells.- Notch Signaling Pathway and Cancer Metastasis.- Notch, Apoptosis and Cancer.- Ligand-Dependent Notch Signaling in Vascular Formation.- Notch and the P53 Clan of Transcription Factors.- Notch Signaling and Breast Cancer.- Notch Signaling and Malignant Melanoma.- Notch-Signaling and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: An Ancient Friend, Revisited.- Notch Signaling and Intestinal Cancer.- Notch Signaling and Brain Tumors.- Notch Inhibition as a Promising New Approach to Cancer Therapy.

The relevance of the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES) for tumorigenesis, prevention, and treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC): Present concepts and future perspectives

Solar UV (UV)-B-radiation exerts both beneficial and adverse effects on human health. On the one hand, it is the most important environmental risk factor for the development of non-melanoma skin cancer [NMSC; most importantly basal (BCC) and squamous (SCC) cell carcinomas], that represent the most common malignancies in Caucasian populations. On the other hand, the human body’s requirements of vitamin D are mainly achieved by UV-B-induced cutaneous photosynthesis. This dilemma represents a serious problem in many populations, for an association of vitamin D-deficiency and multiple independent diseases including various types of cancer has been convincingly demonstrated. In line with these findings, epidemiologic and laboratory investigations now indicate that vitamin D and its metabolites have a risk reducing effect for NMSC. Potential mechanisms of action include inhibition of the hedgehog signaling pathway (BCC) and modulation of p53-mediated DNA damage response (SCC). As a consequence of these new findings it can be concluded that UV-B-radiation exerts both beneficial and adverse effects on risk and prognosis of NMSC. It can be assumed that many independent factors, including frequency and dose of UV-B exposure, skin area exposed, and individual factors (such as skin type and genetic determinants of the skin`s vitamin D status and of signaling pathways that are involved in the tumorigenesis of NMSC) determine whether UV-B exposure promotes or inhibits tumorigenesis of NMSC. Moreover, these findings may help to explain many of the differential effects of UV-B radiation on risk of NMSC, including variation in the dose-dependent risk for development of SCC in situ (actinic keratosis, AK), invasive SCC, and BCC. In this review, we analyze the relevance of the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES) for tumorigenesis, prevention, and treatment of NMSC and give an overview of present concepts and future perspectives.

Hope and challenge: the importance of ultraviolet (UV) radiation for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis and skin cancer.

Abstract Solar ultraviolet (UV)-radiation is the most important environmental risk factor for the development of non-melanoma skin cancer (most importantly basal and squamous cell carcinomas), that represent the most common malignancies in Caucasian populations. To prevent these malignancies, public health campaigns were developed to improve the awareness of the general population of the role of UV-radiation. The requirements of vitamin D is mainly achieved by UV-B-induced cutaneous photosynthesis, and the vitamin D-mediated positive effects of UV-radiation were not always adequately considered in these campaigns; a strict “no sun policy” might lead to vitamin D-deficiency. This dilemma represents a serious problem in many populations, for an association of vitamin D-deficiency and multiple independent diseases has been convincingly demonstrated. It is crucial that guidelines for UV-exposure (e.g. in skin cancer prevention campaigns) consider these facts and give recommendations how to prevent vitamin D-deficiency. In this review, we analyze the present literature to help developing well-balanced guidelines on UV-protection that ensure an adequate vitamin D-status without increasing the risk to develop UV-induced skin cancer.

Notch-Signaling and Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: An Ancient Friend, Revisited

In humans and other species, Notch-signaling is of critical importance for carcinogenesis in several organs, including the skin. Interestingly, Notch-signaling appears to exert opposite roles in skin carcinogenesis as compared to carcinogenesis in other tissues. While the Notch1 receptor (Notch1) acts as a proto-oncogene in most tissues, it has been shown that Notch1 deletion in epidermal keratinocytes causes skin carcinogenesis. Recent results indicate that loss of Notch1 is not involved in the initiating event of multistage skin carcinogenesis, but acts as a skin cancer-promoting event. Moreover, recent findings underline the importance of multiple other factors, including the microenvironment, for Notch signaling in skin carcinogenesis. It can be speculated that pharmacologic modulation of Notch signaling may be an interesting target for the prevention and therapy of skin cancer.

Targeting the non-neuronal cholinergic system in macrophages for the management of infectious diseases and cancer: challenge and promise

Macrophages represent key players of the immune system exerting highly effective defense mechanisms against microbial infections and cancer that include phagocytosis and programmed cell removal. Recent findings highlight the relevance of the non-neuronal cholinergic system for the regulation of macrophage function that opens promising new concepts for the treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. This mini review summarizes our present knowledge on this topic and gives an outlook on future developments.

No evidence for induction of key components of the Notch signaling pathway (Notch-1, Jagged-1) by treatment with UV-B, 1,25(OH)2D3, and/or epigenetic drugs (TSA, 5-Aza) in human keratinocytes in vitro

Notch signaling is of high importance for growth and survival of various cell types. We now analyzed the protein expression of two key components of the Notch signaling pathway (Notch-1, Jagged-1) in spontaneously immortalized (HaCaT) and in malignant (SCL-1) human keratinocytes, using western analysis. We found that Notch-1 and its corresponding ligand Jagged-1 are expressed in both cell lines, with no marked change following UV-B treatment. Moreover, treatment of both cell lines before or after UV-B irradiation with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the biologically active form of vitamin D, and/or epigenetic modulating drugs (TSA; 5-Aza) did not result in a marked modulation of the protein expression of Notch-1 or Jagged-1. Under the experimental conditions of this study, treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 protected human keratinocytes in part against the antiproliferative effects of UV-B-radiation. In conclusion, our findings do not point at a differential expression of these two key components of Notch signaling in non-malignant as compared to malignant human keratinocytes, indicating that alterations in their expression are not of importance for the photocarcinogenesis of human squamous cell carcinomas. Moreover, our findings do not support the hypothesis that modulation of Notch signaling may be involved in the photoprotective effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, that we and others reported previously. Additionally, we demonstrate that epigenetic modulating drugs (TSA, 5-Aza) do not markedly modulate the expression Notch-1 or Jagged-1 in UV-B-treated human keratinocytes in vitro.

Modulation of macrophage phagocytosis in vitro—A role for cholinergic stimulation?

Acetylcholine is synthetized and released from neural cells, but also by non-neuronal cells such as epithelial cells or keratinocytes. Cholinergic agonists enhance the phagocytosis of zymosan particles in primary peritoneal macrophages. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of carbachol stimulation on phagocytosis in a macrophage cell line using microspheres. The murine cell line MH-S was used in a phagocytosis assay with fluorescent latex beads. The amount of the ingested beads was determined using flow cytometry. Gene expression was investigated using polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression of the muscarinic receptors M1, M3, M4 and M5 but not M2 was found. Carbachol slightly increased the phagocytosis of microspheres in the macrophages. A co-stimulation using lipopolysaccharide and carbachol did not increase the effect of lipopolysaccharide alone. In conclusion, cholinergic stimulation in vitro only moderately modulates the phagocytosis of microspheres. M2 might have a role in stimulation of macrophage phagocytosis.

Sunlight, Vitamin D and Malignant Melanoma

Solar radiation represents an essential requirement for life, not only by spending the thermal energy for photosynthesis in plants, which provides our atmosphere with oxygen, but also by facilitating the cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D in vertebrates and many other organisms. It is well known that humans and most vertebrates have to obtain an adequate source of vitamin D, in order to develop and maintain a healthy mineralized skeleton and in order to be protected against cancer and a broad variety of other diseases. On the other hand, solar UV radiation can be assumed to be the most relevant environmental carcinogen causing melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer with increasing incidences. During the last decades, epidemiological studies and experimental animal models, including genetically engineered mice, the Xiphophorus hybrid fish, the south american oppossum and human skin xenografts, have further elucidated the multi-step process of UV-induced melanomagenesis. It has to be emphasized that, in contrast to intermittent, short-term high-dose solar UV-exposure, more chronic less intense exposure (which is recommended by many experts in the fleld to obtain a sufficient vitamin D status) has not been found to be a risk factor for the development of melanoma and in fact has been found in several studies to be protective. Interestingly, several independent lines of investigation have demonstrated convincing evidence that vitamin D and/or analogs may be effective in the prevention and treatment of melanoma. This essay summarizes our present understanding about the pathogenic role of UV radiation and of vitamin D for malignant melanoma.