1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3) is one of the most potent biologically active forms of vitamin D3. Primary activities include regulation of blood calcium and phosphate homeostasis and a plethora of other effects including cell growth inhibition, induction of differentiation, and anti‐cancer effects, depending on the target tissue. Most of the activities of 1,25D3 continue to be ascribed to the classic vitamin D receptor despite the identification of another membrane receptor for 1,25D3. The membrane‐associated rapid response steroid‐binding (MARRS) receptor is receiving more attention as a novel vitamin D receptor working through rapid, non‐genomic pathways. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of MARRS in the mammary gland using a conditional knockout mouse model and a vitamin D3 dietary intervention. 1,25D3‐MARRS expression was reduced in epithelial cells of mammary glands (MG) using the Cre/loxp system. Dams were weaned onto semi‐purified diets with 10,000 IU/kg, 1,000 IU/kg, or 0 IU/kg of 1,25D3 for 4 weeks before being set‐up to breed. 4th MGs were collected from 6‐week old female MMTV‐Cre mice (n=73). MGs were whole‐mounted and stained with carmine alum. Tissue growth was assessed by counting the number of terminal end buds (TEB) of alveolar branches, measuring the length of the longest ductal extension, and measuring total MG area covered ducts. Whole body weight was similar between all groups. There was a significant interaction between genotype and diet. Knockout mice on the 1,000 IU/kg diet had significantly fewer TEBs (p=0.016) and reduced ductal growth and extension (p=0.037, p=0.023 respectively) compared to controls on the same diet. Mice on the 0 IU/kg diet had similar TEB counts across all genotypes. Knockout mice on the 10,000IU/kg diet had significantly more TEBs than the other mice of the same diet (p=0.042), and more extensive growth and coverage of alveolar branches than knockouts on the 1,000 IU/kg diet. These results suggest that there is an effect of 1,25D3‐MARRS that is dependent on vitamin D3 dose. Because the dose‐response is not linear in this animal model, it suggests caution when making recommendations for vitamin D3 nutrition in animals, and possibly humans as well.Support or Funding InformationThe Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
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