Microarray Analysis of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells Treated with 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D sub(3) or a 17-Methyl-D-ring Analog

• Published in: Anticancer research Vol. 29; no. 9; pp. 3585 - 3590
• Main Authors: Vanoirbeek, E, Eelen, G, Verlinden, L, Marchal, K, Engelen, K, De Moor, B, Beullens, I, Marcelis, S, De Clercq, P, Bouillon, R, Verstuyf, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.09.2009
• ISSN: 0250-7005

Background: 1 alpha ,25-dihydroxyvitamin D sub(3) [1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3)] is the biological active form of vitamin D. Its antiproliferative capacities make it a potential drug to treat diseases such as cancer. The clinical use of 1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3) as an antiproliferative agent is hampered by its calcemic effects. Hence, structural analogs such as the seco-9,11-bisnor-17-methyl analog, WY1112, have been developed with superagonistic capacities. This study aims to distinct the molecular activities of 1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3) and WY1112 and identify possible differences in gene expression. Materials and Methods: Total RNA was extracted from MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with 1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3) or WY1112 and was used for microarray analysis. Results: The experiments revealed that WY1112 induces the same genes as 1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3), but the induction level of the individual genes is higher. Microarray analysis did not reveal genes that were exclusively regulated by WY1112. Conclusion: The superagonistic vitamin D analog WY1112 induces the same set of genes as 1,25-(OH) sub(2)D sub(3), but the level of induction of the individual genes is higher.