Vitamin D Activates Type A Natriuretic Peptide Receptor Gene Transcription in Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

In the 2007 study, researchers found that 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) significantly increased the expression and activity of the natriuretic peptide receptor-A gene in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells. This increase was evidenced by doubled production of natriuretic peptide-dependent cyclic guanosine monophosphate, increased receptor protein expression, and higher mRNA levels and gene-promoter activity. The effect was dependent on the presence of a vitamin D response element and the vitamin D receptor, as shown by mutation and interference RNA experiments. These results suggest that vitamin D could positively affect cardiovascular and kidney function by enhancing natriuretic peptide receptor-A expression. However, the study did not provide the number of cells or replicates used in the experiments.