1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) Signaling Capacity and the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Implications for Use of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in NSCLC Treatment

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) exerts anti-proliferative activity by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and regulating gene expression. We previously reported that non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells which harbor epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations display elevated VDR expression (VDR(high)) and are vitamin D-sensitive. Conversely, those with K-ras mutations are VDR(low) and vitamin D-refractory. Because EGFR mutations are found predominately in NSCLC cells with an epithelial phenotype and K-ras mutations are more common in cells with a mesenchymal phenotype, we investigated the relationship between vitamin D signaling capacity and the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Using NSCLC cell lines and publically available lung cancer cell line microarray data, we identified a relationship between VDR expression, 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) sensitivity, and EMT phenotype. Further, we discovered that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) induces E-cadherin and decreases EMT-related molecules SNAIL, ZEB1, and vimentin in NSCLC cells. 1,25(OH)(2)D(3)-mediated changes in gene expression are associated with a significant decrease in cell migration and maintenance of epithelial morphology. These data indicate that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) opposes EMT in NSCLC cells. Because EMT is associated with increased migration, invasion, and chemoresistance, our data imply that 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) may prevent lung cancer progression in a molecularly defined subset of NSCLC patients.