Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
Oncogene Expression Analysis with Alterations in pH in a Pancreatic Ductal Cell Line
Published on: April 11, 2025
1α, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 alters ectonucleotidase expression and activity in human cutaneous melanoma cells
Margarete Dulce Bagatini1,2, Kalyne Bertolin3, Alessandra Bridi3
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Academic Coordination, Campus Chapecó, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
Purpose:
We hypothesized that vitamin D decreases rates of adenosine formation in human cutaneous melanoma cells through the inhibition of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate breakdown, thereby affecting tumor cell viability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the mechanisms of action of 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3) on the activity and expression of ectonucleotidases in cutaneous melanoma cells.
Methods:
A human melanoma cell line, SK-Mel-28, was treated with 1 to 50 nM of the active vitamin D metabolite (1,25(OH)2 D3) over 24 hours, followed by determination of NTPDase1/CD39 and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 activity and expression rates of the purinergic system-related NTPDASE1, NT5E and adenosine deaminase and vitamin D receptor. An 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate cellular viability.
Results:
1,25(OH)2 D3 decreased adenosine monophosphate hydrolysis via ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 and expression of CD73, but did not change NTPDase1/CD39 activity; it increased the CD39 expression. We also observed an increase of cell viability at 1 nM, but this viability decreased as the concentrations of vitamin D active metabolite increased to 50 nM. There were no differences in gene expression levels.
Conclusion:
To the best of our knowledge, we showed for the first time a mechanism of control of adenosine production via modulation of the purinergic system in cutaneous melanoma cells treated with the active metabolite of vitamin D. This study provides original information regarding mechanisms, in which vitamin D plays a key role in preventing tumor progression in human melanoma cells.
Insights
Vitamin D metabolite 1,25(OH)2D3 affects adenosine production in melanoma cells by modulating the purinergic system. This study reveals a novel mechanism for vitamin D in controlling tumor progression in cutaneous melanoma.
Area of Science:
- * Oncology
- * Dermatology
- * Molecular Biology
Background:
- * Adenosine plays a critical role in tumor cell viability and progression.
- * The purinergic system, involving ectonucleotidases, regulates extracellular adenosine levels.
- * Vitamin D's role in melanoma is under investigation, particularly its impact on adenosine metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the mechanism by which 1α, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) influences ectonucleotidase activity and expression in human cutaneous melanoma cells.
- * To determine the effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on adenosine formation and its subsequent impact on melanoma cell viability.
- * To explore the modulation of the purinergic system by vitamin D in the context of melanoma.
Main Methods:
- * Treatment of human melanoma cell line (SK-Mel-28) with varying concentrations of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1-50 nM) for 24 hours.
- * Assay of ectonucleotidase activities (NTPDase1/CD39, ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73) and expression.
- * Evaluation of cellular viability using the MTT assay and assessment of gene expression levels.
Main Results:
- * 1,25(OH)2D3 decreased adenosine monophosphate hydrolysis via ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 and reduced CD73 expression.
- * NTPDase1/CD39 activity remained unchanged, while its expression increased with 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment.
- * Cell viability initially increased at 1 nM 1,25(OH)2D3 but decreased at higher concentrations (50 nM).
Conclusions:
- * This study demonstrates a novel mechanism for vitamin D in controlling adenosine production in melanoma cells through purinergic system modulation.
- * The findings suggest that vitamin D plays a significant role in regulating tumor progression in human cutaneous melanoma.
- * 1,25(OH)2D3 impacts ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 and CD39 expression, influencing the tumor microenvironment.
Related Concept Videos
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
02:35Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the...
01:06Altered States of Awareness
The ingestion of substances like stimulants or hallucinogens leads to chemical alterations in the brain...
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...