Tumor protein inhibits vitamin D metabolism in cancer cells

Vitamin D is not only involved in bone formation and cell division processes, it also stimulates the immune system. Researchers are increasingly focusing on their role in cancer.

Researchers have now shown that vitamin D metabolism in cancer cells can be inhibited by a specific protein called MDM2. This protein also promotes mechanisms that help cell division in tumor cells.

Not every cancer cell becomes a tumor. An example of a molecular regulatory mechanism is the so-called tumor suppressor p53. The molecule is found in damaged cells, which could become cancerous cells in increased concentration and initiates cell death. This complex mechanism can in turn be inhibited by the protein called MDM2. In healthy cells, this protein ensures that the p53 level remains low. Unlike degenerated cells, there the amount increases, so cell death is suppressed by p53.

In order for vitamin D to become active in the body, it is first rebuilt. Only then can it bind to the vitamin D receptor. Only then can this in turn regulate various genes that control, among other things, cell division and growth.

A high concentration of MDM2 protein has lowered the concentration of the vitamin D receptor. Conversely, when the protein was inhibited, the level of the vitamin D receptor was increased. The study can be found here. (Pm)