Vitamin D: More Than a Bona Fide Hormone

April 2003 in “ Molecular endocrinology ”

Amelia Sutton, Paul N. MacDonald

vitamin D immune function cell growth inflammation regulation receptors rickets metabolic disorders

Studysummary This review explores the diverse physiological roles of the vitamin D endocrine system, discussing current research on receptor structure, transcription details, murine models, and alternative receptors, but reports no new findings. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document titled "Vitamin D: More Than a 'Bone-a-Fide' Hormone" from May 1, 2003, discussed the multifaceted roles of vitamin D beyond its well-known function in bone health. It highlighted the hormone's involvement in various biological processes, including immune function, cell growth, and inflammation regulation. The paper also referenced studies on the interaction of vitamin D with different receptors and its potential implications in conditions like rickets and other metabolic disorders. The document underscored the importance of vitamin D in broader physiological contexts, suggesting that its impact extended far beyond skeletal maintenance.

View this study on academic.oup.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

5 / 5 results

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.

research Metabolic And Cellular Analysis Of Alopecia In Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Mice

137 citations , April 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that alopecia in VDR-null mice persists despite undetectable vitamin D levels, indicating a defect in epithelial-mesenchymal communication due to the absence of ligand-independent receptor function.

research Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation and Differentiation in Vitamin D Receptor Knockout Mice

114 citations , June 2000 in “Endocrinology”

In this study, the researchers found that alopecia in VDR null mice is likely due to issues with hair cycle initiation rather than defects in keratinocyte proliferation or differentiation.

research Normalization of Mineral Ion Homeostasis by Dietary Means Prevents Hyperparathyroidism, Rickets, and Osteomalacia, But Not Alopecia in Vitamin D Receptor-Ablated Mice

519 citations , October 1998 in “Endocrinology”

The study found that normalizing mineral ion levels in vitamin D receptor-ablated mice prevented hyperparathyroidism and bone disorders but did not address hair loss, indicating the VDR's role in hair growth.

research The Nuclear Vitamin D Receptor: Biological and Molecular Regulatory Properties Revealed

1308 citations , March 1998 in “Journal of bone and mineral research”

This review discusses the molecular role of the vitamin D receptor in regulating various biological actions such as bone mineralization and reports no new clinical results, highlighting the complexity of vitamin D's function in multiple tissues.