Genomic signaling of vitamin D.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of molecular mechanisms and physiological pathways without new human data
PubMed 37442517 · doi:10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109271
What was done
This narrative review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of the endocrine vitamin D signaling system, focusing on the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR), its active ligand 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), metabolizing enzymes, transport proteins, and the contribution of rapid non-genomic actions.
What was found
The review notes that VDR binds 1,25(OH)2D3 with high affinity (KD = 0.1 nM). This interaction modulates the epigenome at thousands of promoter and enhancer regions and regulates transcription of hundreds of target genes. The abstract describes vitamin D's primary role in maintaining body homeostasis, specifically regulating calcium levels for bone mineralization and modulating innate and adaptive immunity.
Why it matters
It outlines how genomic signaling through VDR coordinates widespread transcriptional networks essential for calcium balance and immune regulation.
Limits
This is a narrative review presenting mechanistic overviews rather than primary human clinical trial or epidemiological data. No sample size, clinical trial outcomes, or systematic review search criteria are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Vitamin D has a steroid structure similar to cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, allowing it to enter the cell nucleus and regulate gene transcription.