TLDR The vitamin D receptor can work without its usual activating molecule.
The study provided evidence that the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) could activate transcription independently of its ligand, 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), specifically in primary keratinocytes. This was demonstrated by the activation of the 24-hydroxylase promoter without 1,25(OH)2D3. The findings suggested that VDR might interact with other ligands or undergo modifications such as phosphorylation to exert its effects. This ligand-independent activity was unique to keratinocytes and selective for certain promoters, indicating a potential for targeted therapeutic strategies in skin disorders like psoriasis and skin cancer without causing hypercalcemia. The study also highlighted the importance of VDR-RXR heterodimerization in this process.
144 citations
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December 2004 in “Molecular Endocrinology” The vitamin D receptor is essential for normal hair growth, even without its usual binding.
140 citations
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April 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The enzyme 25 Hydroxyvitamin D 1 α-Hydroxylase is essential for healthy skin and recovery after skin damage.
276 citations
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April 2003 in “Molecular endocrinology” Vitamin D is important for bones, hair, blood pressure, and breast development.
277 citations
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July 2002 in “Molecular Endocrinology” Removing part of the vitamin D receptor stops vitamin D from working properly.
115 citations
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December 2001 in “Endocrinology” Expressing the human vitamin D receptor in skin cells prevents hair loss in certain mice.
137 citations
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April 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Alopecia in these mice is caused by defective hair cycle communication due to missing vitamin D receptor function, not vitamin D levels.
519 citations
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October 1998 in “Endocrinology” Diet can prevent bone issues but not hair loss in mice lacking vitamin D receptors.
25 citations
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August 2014 in “Endocrinology” Researchers created a mouse model of a type of rickets that does not cause hair loss.
104 citations
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May 2003 in “Endocrinology” Lampreys have a functional vitamin D receptor that may help detoxify harmful substances.
62 citations
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January 2009 in “Biochemistry” Vitamin D receptor binds similarly to natural and synthetic ligands, affecting gene regulation.
1533 citations
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October 2008 in “Endocrine reviews” Mice without the vitamin D receptor have bone issues and other health problems, suggesting vitamin D is important for preventing various diseases in humans.
January 2021 in “Medical Research Archives” Genetically modified rats help reveal how vitamin D affects bone and skin health.
1308 citations
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March 1998 in “Journal of bone and mineral research” The vitamin D receptor is crucial for bone health and affects various body systems, with mutations potentially leading to disease.
