Does Vitamin D Play a Role in Msx1 Homeoprotein Expression Involving an Endogenous Antisense mRNA?

The study investigated the relationship between Vitamin D and Msx1 homeoprotein expression. It found that Msx1 and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) are co-expressed in tissues like hair follicles, bones, and tooth germs. In VDR null mutant mice, Msx1 expression was disturbed, and overexpression of Msx1 in odontoblastic cells decreased VDR expression. These findings suggested a cross-talk between Vitamin D and Msx1 regulation pathways, which could help understand defects associated with rickets. The study highlighted the need for further research to precisely delineate the molecular interactions between Vitamin D and Msx1.