The 1,25(OH)2D3-regulated transcription factor MN1 stimulates vitamin D receptor-mediated transcription and inhibits osteoblastic cell proliferation.

The vitamin D endocrine system is essential for maintaining mineral ion homeostasis and preserving bone density. The most bioactive form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] elicits its effects by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and regulating the transcription of target genes. In osteoblasts, the bone-forming cells of the skeleton, 1,25-(OH)2D3 regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the extracellular matrix. Despite these well-characterized biological functions, relatively few 1,25-(OH)2D3 target genes have been described in osteoblasts. In this study, we characterize the regulation and function of MN1, a novel 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced gene in osteoblastic cells. MN1 is a nuclear protein first identified as a gene disrupted in some meningiomas and leukemias. Our studies demonstrate that MN1 preferentially stimulates VDR-mediated transcription through its ligand-binding domain and synergizes with the steroid receptor coactivator family of coactivators. Furthermore, forced expression of MN1 in osteoblastic cells results in a profound decrease in cell proliferation by slowing S-phase entry, suggesting that MN1 is an antiproliferative factor that may mediate 1,25-(OH)2D3-dependent inhibition of cell growth. Collectively, these data indicate that MN1 is a 1,25-(OH)2D3-induced VDR coactivator that also may have critical roles in modulating osteoblast proliferation.