The Vitamin D Receptor Functions as a Transcription Regulator in the Absence of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3

August 2015 in “ The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ”

Lee Seong Min, Pike J. Wesley

vitamin D receptor VDR 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 1,25(OH)2D3 hair cycling parathyroid hormone PTH Cyp27b1 gene expression ligand-independent function vitamin D3 hair growth

Studysummary This study found that in a mouse model with hereditary 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D resistant rickets, a mutant vitamin D receptor lacking hormone-binding ability could restore normal hair cycling and affect parathyroid hormone regulation. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study explored the role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the absence of its ligand, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), particularly in hair cycling and parathyroid hormone (PTH) regulation. Using mouse models, researchers found that VDR could facilitate normal hair cycling without 1,25(OH)2D3, suggesting a ligand-independent function. Additionally, VDR appeared to influence PTH secretion independently of 1,25(OH)2D3, as evidenced by higher PTH levels in Cyp27b1 null mice compared to VDR null mice. This indicated that VDR might act as a selective suppressor or de-repressor of gene expression without its ligand, affecting tissues beyond the skin.

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research A Humanized Mouse Model of Hereditary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D–Resistant Rickets Without Alopecia

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This study created a humanized mouse model of hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets that lacks alopecia, indicating the mutant receptor's potential to explore the syndrome's characteristics beyond vitamin D binding.

research Mutations in the Vitamin D Receptor and Hereditary Vitamin D-Resistant Rickets

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research Vitamin D and the Skin: Physiology and Pathophysiology

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This review examines the functions of vitamin D and its receptor in skin and explores how these are regulated, reporting no new clinical results.

research Ligand-Independent Actions of the Vitamin D Receptor Maintain Hair Follicle Homeostasis

144 citations , December 2004 in “Molecular Endocrinology”

This study found that the effects of the vitamin D receptor on hair follicle cycling in mice are independent of its ability to bind a hormone, with specific domain mutations influencing hair regrowth outcomes.

research Deletion of DNA Binding Domain of the Vitamin D Receptor Abrogates Genomic and Nongenomic Functions of Vitamin D

277 citations , July 2002 in “Molecular Endocrinology”

In this study, homozygous VDR null mutant mice exhibited nonfunctional vitamin D receptors, leading to growth abnormalities and revealing the limited physiological importance of vitamin D pathways outside the classical receptor.