Pathway analysis of transcriptomic data shows immunometabolic effects of vitamin D

J Mol Endocrinol. 2018 Feb;60(2):95-108. doi: 10.1530/JME-17-0186. Epub 2017 Dec 12.

Abstract

Unbiased genomic screening analyses have highlighted novel immunomodulatory properties of the active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). However, clearer interpretation of the resulting gene expression data is limited by cell model specificity. The aim of the current study was to provide a broader perspective on common gene regulatory pathways associated with innate immune responses to 1,25(OH)2D, through systematic re-interrogation of existing gene expression databases from multiple related monocyte models (the THP-1 monocytic cell line (THP-1), monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes). Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression is common to multiple immune cell types, and thus, pathway analysis of gene expression using data from multiple related models provides an inclusive perspective on the immunomodulatory impact of vitamin D. A bioinformatic workflow incorporating pathway analysis using PathVisio and WikiPathways was utilized to compare each set of gene expression data based on pathway-level context. Using this strategy, pathways related to the TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis and metabolism were shown to be significantly regulated by 1,25(OH)2D in each of the repository models (Z-scores 3.52-8.22). Common regulation by 1,25(OH)2D was also observed for pathways associated with apoptosis and the regulation of apoptosis (Z-scores 2.49-3.81). In contrast to the primary culture DC and monocyte models, the THP-1 myelomonocytic cell line showed strong regulation of pathways associated with cell proliferation and DNA replication (Z-scores 6.1-12.6). In short, data presented here support a fundamental role for active 1,25(OH)2D as a pivotal regulator of immunometabolism.

Keywords: gene ontology analysis; immunometabolism; innate immunity; pathway analysis; transcriptomics data.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Dendritic Cells / cytology
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Electron Transport / drug effects
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Ontology
  • Humans
  • Immunity / drug effects*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / drug effects
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics*
  • Monocytes / cytology
  • Monocytes / drug effects
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Oxidative Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*
  • THP-1 Cells
  • Transcriptome / drug effects
  • Transcriptome / genetics*
  • Vitamin D / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Vitamin D