Characterization of Type II Rickets Model Rats to Reveal Functions of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor

November 2023 in “ Biomolecules ”

Yuichiro Iwai, Ayano Iijima, Satoko Kise, Chika Nagao, Yuto Senda, Kana Yabu, Hiroki Mano, Miyu Nishikawa, Shinichi Ikushiro, Kaori Yasuda, Toshiyuki Sakaki

Vitamin D Vitamin D Receptor VDR 1,25D3 keratinocytes hair cycle skin homeostasis plasma calcium levels parathyroid hormone calcitriol skin cells hair growth skin health calcium levels PTH

Studysummary In this study involving genetically modified rats, researchers observed that specific mutations in the vitamin D receptor affect calcium levels and bone formation, emphasizing the receptor's role in maintaining healthy bone density and its importance in regulating hair cycle and skin health.

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The study investigated the role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in genetically modified (GM) rats, focusing on type II rickets. Two GM rat models were created, one with a VDR(H301Q) mutation and another with a double mutation VDR(R270L/H301Q), both showing almost no affinity for forms of Vitamin D. The study found that these GM rats had significantly lower plasma calcium levels and higher parathyroid hormone and 1,25D3 levels compared to wild-type rats, indicating abnormal bone formation. However, these GM rats did not exhibit symptoms of alopecia or skin cysts, suggesting that unliganded VDR is crucial for maintaining the hair cycle and normal skin. The study concluded that unliganded VDR in keratinocytes is essential for hair cycling and skin homeostasis, while VDR-dependent 1,25D3 action is vital for maintaining plasma calcium levels and normal bone formation.

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