Enhancing 1α-Hydroxylase Activity with the 25-Hydroxyvitamin D-1α-Hydroxylase Gene in Cultured Human Keratinocytes and Mouse Skin

The study from 2001 demonstrated that transfecting human keratinocytes with the 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase) gene significantly increased the production of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, enhancing the cells' sensitivity to its antiproliferative effects. This approach showed promise for treating hyperproliferative skin disorders like psoriasis without causing hypercalcemia or drug resistance. In vivo experiments on mice confirmed the gene's expression in the epidermis and hair follicles, supporting the potential for localized gene therapy to manage skin disorders.