Regulation of VDR by ΔNp63α Is Associated with Inhibition of Cell Invasion

The study from August 15, 2009, explored the interaction between ΔNp63α, a variant of the p63 transcription factor, and the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in skin cancer cells. It was found that ΔNp63α enhances VDR expression, and that this interaction is crucial for inhibiting the invasion of cancer cells. When ΔNp63α was silenced, VDR expression decreased, leading to increased cell invasion. Conversely, overexpressing either p63 or VDR reduced cell migration. The research also indicated that p63 is necessary for VDR expression during embryonic development, as evidenced by a significant reduction in VDR levels in p63-null mice. These findings suggest that ΔNp63α's regulation of VDR is important for preventing cell invasion and for normal development, including skin differentiation and hair follicle regeneration. The study did not involve human participants but rather focused on cell lines.