A run for a membrane vitamin D receptor

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Signaling

Background:

• 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) is the active form of vitamin D(3).
• It regulates calcium, phosphate, and immune system functions.
• Two molecular action mechanisms exist: nuclear and non-genomic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the membrane vitamin D receptor (mVDR) mediating non-genomic actions.
• To characterize the mVDR involved in rapid cellular responses.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research on vitamin D action.
• Description of the search for a membrane receptor.
• Mention of a candidate protein discovery.

Main Results:

• Two distinct mechanisms of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) action are established.
• A 64.5 kDa protein from chick epithelium specifically binds 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3).
• This protein is a candidate for the mVDR responsible for rapid cellular actions.

Conclusions:

• The search for a putative mVDR has been ongoing for over a decade.
• A specific 64.5 kDa protein shows promise as the mVDR.
• Understanding mVDR function is crucial for vitamin D's non-genomic effects.