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Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
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Vitamin D Receptor in Cancer: Biological Functions, Mechanistic Insights, and Clinical Relevance

Ming Liang1, Shengjie Yin2, Yisheng Dai3

  • 1Department of Infection, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.

Cancer Management and Research
|January 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D (VD) research is inconsistent due to complex Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) roles in cancer. Understanding VDR mechanisms is key to improving cancer treatment and VD

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D (VD) research yields inconsistent biological role conclusions.
  • VD functions via the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR), a transcription factor regulating gene expression.
  • VDR expression and function in cancer biology show divergent findings, indicating complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the association between VDR expression and cancer prognosis.
  • To elucidate the roles and mechanisms of VDR in cancer.
  • To explore VDR regulatory networks and translational implications in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature.
  • Analysis of VDR expression via immunohistochemistry in relation to cancer prognosis.
  • Examination of VDR's roles, mechanisms, and regulatory networks in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting data exists on VDR expression and its association with cancer prognosis.
  • VDR plays complex roles in cancer biology, influencing gene expression and cellular pathways.
  • Multi-level regulatory networks govern VDR activity, impacting its therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

  • Clarifying VDR's precise roles and mechanisms is crucial for cancer treatment optimization.
  • Resolving conflicting clinical evidence on VD's impact on cancer requires a deeper understanding of VDR.
  • Further research into VDR is essential for advancing VD-based cancer therapies.
Keywords:
cancerfunction and mechanismprognosistherapyvitamin D receptor

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