Vitamin D Metabolism and Function in the Skin

December 2011 in “ Molecular and cellular endocrinology ”

Daniel D. Bikle

vitamin D keratinocytes 1,25(OH)(2)D vitamin D receptor VDR hair follicle cycle DRIP SRC hairless Hr β-catenin active vitamin D hair cycle beta-catenin

TLDR Skin cells produce and activate vitamin D, which regulates skin functions and supports hair growth.

The keratinocytes in the skin were identified as the primary source of vitamin D for the body and possessed the necessary enzymes to convert vitamin D to its active form, 1,25(OH)(2)D. These cells also expressed the vitamin D receptor (VDR), allowing them to respond to the active metabolite they produced. The active form of vitamin D and its receptor regulated several skin functions, including inhibiting proliferation, stimulating differentiation, forming the permeability barrier, promoting innate immunity, and supporting the hair follicle cycle. The regulation of these actions involved various coregulators such as DRIP, SRC, hairless (Hr), and β-catenin. The review focused on the regulation of vitamin D production and metabolism in the skin and the functions controlled by 1,25(OH)(2)D and its receptor.

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