TLDR Vitamin D receptor can control the hairless gene linked to hair loss even without vitamin D.
The study investigated the relationship between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the hairless (hr) gene, both of which are implicated in hair loss disorders such as atrichia and VDRRIIa rickets. The researchers found that VDR can repress the activity of the hr promoter in both HaCaT cells and primary human keratinocytes (PHKs), even in the absence of its ligand, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3). The repression is enhanced with the addition of D3. Interestingly, they also discovered that VDR can activate the hr promoter without the ligand, but this effect is cell type-specific. These findings suggest that VDR's direct transcriptional regulation of the hr gene may contribute to the similar hair loss phenotypes observed in atrichia and VDRRIIa rickets.
42 citations,
July 2007 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” Most Hairless gene mutations reduce its ability to work with the Vitamin D Receptor, which might explain a certain type of hair loss.
36 citations,
February 2007 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry” The vitamin D receptor can work without its usual activating molecule.
178 citations,
May 2006 in “Developmental Dynamics” Jumonji genes are important for development and their mutations can cause abnormalities, especially in the heart and brain.
81 citations,
January 2006 in “Journal of cellular physiology” Mice without the vitamin D receptor gene lose hair due to disrupted hair follicle cycles.
78 citations,
November 2005 in “Endocrinology” Hairless protein can block vitamin D activation in skin cells.
137 citations,
September 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” The HR protein helps hair grow by blocking a hair growth inhibitor, aiding in hair follicle regeneration.
57 citations,
April 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Vitamin D receptor is crucial for starting hair growth after birth.
139 citations,
September 2001 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Mutations in the Vitamin D receptor gene can cause hair loss similar to mutations in the Hairless gene.
January 2006 in “Advances in developmental biology” The Hairless gene is crucial for healthy skin and hair growth.
12 citations,
February 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Combining skin tissue pathology with genetics has greatly improved the diagnosis and understanding of certain skin diseases.
30 citations,
January 2009 in “Nuclear Receptor Signaling” Hairless protein is crucial for healthy skin and hair, and its malfunction can cause hair loss.
13 citations,
November 2013 in “Journal of Endocrinology/Journal of endocrinology” Vitamin D receptor helps control hair growth genes in skin cells.
26 citations,
December 2011 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” New gene identification techniques have improved the understanding and classification of inherited hair disorders.
