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Related Concept Videos

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Pigmentation01:19

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Introduction to the Integumentary System01:25

Introduction to the Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting and maintaining homeostasis. The integumentary system serves several functions including protection, regulation, sensation, and secretion.
The skin, which is the primary organ of the integumentary system, consists of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis is the...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health01:25

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Connective Tissue Cell Types01:22

Connective Tissue Cell Types

Connective tissue develops from the mesoderm of a developing embryo and consists of cells, fibers, and ground substance: a gel-like material containing large complexes of carbohydrates and proteins. Connective tissue was first identified as a separate tissue family in the 18th century, and Johannes Peter Muller coined the term connective tissue.
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...

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Vitamin D in Gut and Systemic Immune Tolerance and in Infections' Risk: An International Evidence-Based Consensus Statement.

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Deletion of vitamin D receptor with calcium sensing receptor in keratinocytes promotes epidermal tumorigenesis by limiting dna repair and oxidative stress response genes.

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Use of Vitamin D Binding Protein and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Clinical Practice for Endocrinologists.

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Vitamin D for the Prevention of Disease: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline.

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Consensus Statement on Vitamin D Status Assessment and Supplementation: Whys, Whens, and Hows.

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Related Experiment Video

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Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
03:20

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Vitamin D and the skin.

Daniel D Bikle1

  • 1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of California, 4150 Clement St (111N), San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. daniel.bikle@ucsf.edu

Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism
|January 29, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Skin keratinocytes produce and metabolize vitamin D, utilizing the vitamin D receptor (VDR) to regulate crucial functions like skin barrier formation and immunity. This review explores VDR

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Skin keratinocytes are unique in synthesizing, metabolizing, and responding to vitamin D.
  • Vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) regulate numerous skin functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of vitamin D and VDR in the skin.
  • To explore the regulatory mechanisms of VDR-mediated actions in keratinocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on vitamin D metabolism and VDR signaling in skin.
  • Analysis of the roles of coregulators in VDR-regulated skin functions.

Main Results:

  • Vitamin D regulates keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, barrier formation, innate immunity, hair follicle cycling, and tumor suppression.

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  • Specific coregulators (DRIP, SRC, hairless, beta-catenin) modulate distinct VDR functions.

    • Conclusions:

    • Vitamin D plays a critical role in skin homeostasis and function through VDR signaling.
    • Understanding VDR-regulated pathways and coregulators is key to deciphering skin physiology and disease.