Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Induction of Murine Intestinal Inflammation by Adoptive Transfer of Effector CD4+CD45RBhigh T Cells into Immunodeficient Mice
Published on: April 21, 2015
The Vitamin D Receptor, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and Colon Cancer
Rong Lu1, Shaoping Wu, Yinglin Xia
1Gastroenterology & Hepatology Division, Department of Medicine, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
Abstract:
The nuclear receptor is an emerging therapeutic target in various human diseases. Vitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor, mediates the biological functions of vitamin D. Classically, vitamin D is recognized as an essential contributor to mineral and bone homeostasis. Increasing evidence demonstrates that vitamin D is involved in inflammatory responses. Persistent intestinal inflammation is associated with colon cancer. This review focuses on vitamin D and VDR in inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. We place emphasis on the regulatory roles of vitamin D/VDR on in inflammation, enteric bacteria, and tumorigenesis. We summarize the signaling pathways regulated by VDR in intestinal homeostasis. Finally, we discuss the potential application of the insights gleaned from these findings to personalized therapies in chronic inflammation and colon cancer.
Insights
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a key role in regulating gut inflammation and colon cancer. Understanding VDR signaling offers potential for personalized therapies in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nuclear receptors are critical targets for disease therapy.
- Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates vitamin D's functions, impacting bone homeostasis and inflammation.
- Chronic intestinal inflammation is linked to colon cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of vitamin D and VDR in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and colon cancer.
- To emphasize VDR's regulatory functions in intestinal inflammation, gut microbiota, and cancer formation.
- To explore VDR-mediated signaling pathways crucial for intestinal homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on vitamin D, VDR, IBD, and colon cancer.
- Analysis of VDR's regulatory roles in inflammation, enteric bacteria, and tumorigenesis.
- Summary of VDR-regulated signaling pathways in intestinal health.
Main Results:
- Vitamin D/VDR significantly influences inflammatory responses in the intestine.
- VDR signaling impacts the gut microbiome composition and function.
- VDR pathways are implicated in the processes of colon tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin D and VDR are crucial modulators of intestinal inflammation and colon cancer.
- Insights into VDR signaling pathways can inform therapeutic strategies.
- Personalized therapies targeting VDR may offer new avenues for managing chronic inflammation and colon cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the colonic...