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1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors in human carcinomas: a pilot study
M Sandgren1, L Danforth, T F Plasse
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
Cancer Research
|April 15, 1991
Summary
This study found higher 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor levels in colorectal and lung tumors compared to normal tissue. Elevated receptor levels correlated with less aggressive colorectal cancer, suggesting a role in malignant transformation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR) plays a role in cellular differentiation and proliferation.
- Alterations in VDR expression are implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor concentrations in primary colorectal and lung carcinomas.
- To examine VDR levels in metastatic melanoma.
- To explore the relationship between VDR levels and tumor characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) was used to quantify VDR concentration.
- VDR levels were measured in primary tumors and adjacent noncancerous tissue from 10 colorectal and 11 lung cancer patients.
- VDR was also assessed in 7 melanoma metastases.
Main Results:
- All tested tumors expressed VDR. Lung tumors (75.1 fmol/mg protein) and colorectal tumors (123.4 fmol/mg protein) showed significantly higher VDR than normal tissue (100% lung, 70% colorectal).
- Higher VDR levels in colorectal cancer correlated with well-differentiated tumors and fewer metastases.
- Melanoma metastases (85%) contained VDR (26 fmol/mg protein), with an inverse correlation between VDR level and patient age.
Conclusions:
- Malignant transformation may involve altered regulation of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor.
- VDR levels could serve as a potential biomarker for cancer differentiation and progression.