Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

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).
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...
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Pleiotropy01:33

Pleiotropy

Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin00:51

Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin

Calcitonin, a vital polypeptide hormone, regulates calcium levels within body fluids. It is released by the parafollicular cells, also known as C cells, situated in the follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland. Calcitonin responds to fluctuations in blood calcium levels and the influence of gastrointestinal hormones like gastrin and cholecystokinin.
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

25-nitro-20-epi-vitamin D analogue with anti-proliferative and cytoprotective properties: Biological and pharmacological evaluation.

Experimental and molecular pathology·2026
Same author

Inducible kidney-selective knockdown of Cyp27b1 does not compromise calcium and bone homeostasis.

Journal of endocrinological investigation·2026
Same author

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel C1 or C3 amino derivatives of A-ring 1,2,3-trisubstituted 19-nor-vitamin D<sub>3</sub>.

Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry·2025
Same author

A comprehensive perspective on the role of vitamin D signaling in maintaining bone homeostasis: Lessons from animal models.

The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology·2025
Same author

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel non-Gemini analog of UVB1 and crystal structure of its complex with the vitamin D receptor.

Bioorganic chemistry·2025
Same author

Coactivator-independent vitamin D receptor signaling causes severe rickets in mice, that is not prevented by a diet high in calcium, phosphate, and lactose.

Bone research·2024
Same journal

Beyond galactose deficiency: redefining pathogenic IgA in IgA nephropathy.

Kidney international·2026
Same journal

KDIGO Life Cycle of Guideline Development Series Part 6: Bridging the Gap between Guidelines and Clinical Practice: The KDIGO Approach to Global Implementation and Education in Nephrology.

Kidney international·2026
Same journal

KDIGO Life Cycle of Guideline Development Series Part 5: Guideline updates and a living model for the future.

Kidney international·2026
Same journal

Crystal-storing histiocytosis causing severe acute kidney injury.

Kidney international·2026
Same journal

Peritoneal dialysis in a patient with extensive burn scarring.

Kidney international·2026
Same journal

COPA syndrome unmasked by anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive immune-complex nephritis.

Kidney international·2026
See all related articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Vitamin D: a pleiotropic hormone.

Annemieke Verstuyf1, Geert Carmeliet, Roger Bouillon

  • 1Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. roger.bouillon@med.kuleuven.be

Kidney International
|February 26, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The secosteroid hormone 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) acts through the vitamin D receptor, influencing gene expression in diverse tissues. Its deficiency is linked to major diseases, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
06:47

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells

Published on: May 4, 2018

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots
08:30

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots

Published on: June 2, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
10:46

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data

Published on: December 9, 2015

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
06:47

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells

Published on: May 4, 2018

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots
08:30

Encapsulation Thermogenic Preadipocytes for Transplantation into Adipose Tissue Depots

Published on: June 2, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) is the active form of vitamin D, binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR).
  • VDR is a nuclear receptor that heterodimerizes with the retinoid X receptor to regulate gene expression.
  • VDR is found in classical tissues (bone, intestine, kidney) and numerous non-classical tissues, including immune, reproductive, and endocrine systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse biological activities and widespread tissue distribution of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and its receptor.
  • To explore the implications of local vitamin D metabolism and VDR presence for paracrine/autocrine signaling.
  • To highlight the potential therapeutic applications of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) beyond bone health, particularly in immune modulation, cell differentiation, and cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on vitamin D metabolism, VDR distribution, and 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) functions.
  • Analysis of gene expression regulation by the VDR-RXR complex.
  • Examination of the role of CYP27B1 in local 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) synthesis.

Main Results:

  • 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) regulates a heterogeneous set of target genes, reflecting its broad biological impact.
  • The enzyme CYP27B1 enables local synthesis of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) in various cell types, supporting paracrine/autocrine functions.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased risk of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.

Conclusions:

  • 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) possesses significant immune-modulating, anti-proliferative, and differentiation-inducing properties.
  • The widespread presence of VDR and local vitamin D synthesis suggest crucial roles in maintaining health.
  • 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) holds promise for treating autoimmune diseases, preventing graft rejection, and managing cancer.