Vitamin D Receptor, UVR, and Skin Cancer: A Potential Protective Mechanism

The document examined the protective role of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) against UVR-induced skin cancer, noting that VDR might act as a tumor suppressor. Studies showed that mice lacking VDR were more susceptible to UVR-induced tumors, suggesting its protective role. VDR was found to potentially mitigate DNA damage and enhance DNA repair, possibly through interactions with the Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt signaling pathways. These findings indicated that VDR could play a crucial role in skin cancer prevention, independent of its ligand, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, although the exact mechanisms remained unclear. Further research was needed to clarify these protective mechanisms.