The Vitamin D Receptor as Tumor Suppressor in Skin

In 2020, research was conducted on the role of the Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in skin cancer prevention. The study found that VDR, when activated by Vitamin D, can suppress tumor growth in the skin by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Mice lacking the VDR were more prone to tumor formation following UV radiation exposure and showed hyperproliferation of the epidermis and distortion of hair follicles. The absence of VDR led to the activation of the β-catenin and hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways, critical for epidermal and hair follicle function. In experiments, 85% of VDR null mice developed skin tumors within two months, while no tumors were found in the wildtype controls. The study concluded that VDR, along with its ligand 1,25(OH)2D3, functions as a tumor suppressor in response to UV radiation. However, the data supporting these findings were not conclusive, and further research was suggested.