Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
10:46
A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Vitamin D-Related Signaling and Epigenetic Regulation: Evidence from Experimental, Observational, and Interventional
Hanna Kozłowska1, Edyta Cichocka1, Sylwia Barbara Górczyńska-Kosiorz1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
The active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D], influences gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modification. However, clinical evidence of its epigenetic effects remains limited and requires further investigation with robust trials.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics and Gene Regulation
Background:
- 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D] is the active vitamin D metabolite.
- It binds to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a transcription factor regulating calcium homeostasis, immune responses, and cell differentiation.
- Beyond direct transcriptional control, 1,25(OH)2D signaling involves epigenetic modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence on epigenetic mechanisms influenced by 1,25(OH)2D.
- To explore the potential roles of these epigenetic actions in various biological processes and diseases.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of 90 studies was conducted.
- Studies included experimental (cell cultures, animal models), observational, population-based, and interventional designs.
- Focus was on studies investigating epigenetic pathways such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs.
Main Results:
- Experimental studies indicate 1,25(OH)2D affects chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression.
- Preclinical data suggest involvement in metabolic regulation, immunity, bone development, fibrogenesis, carcinogenesis, aging, and fetal programming.
- Evidence from human observational studies and RCTs is limited, inconclusive, and shows heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- 1,25(OH)2D exhibits preclinical epigenetic regulatory potential across multiple biological processes.
- The clinical significance of 1,25(OH)2D-mediated epigenetic regulation is not yet established.
- Further rigorous randomized controlled trials are needed to integrate molecular and clinical outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
01:23Role 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).
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).
02:04Covalently Linked Protein Regulators
Proteins can undergo many types of post-translational modifications, often in response to changes in their environment. These modifications play an important role in the function and stability of these proteins. Covalently linked molecules include functional groups, such as methyl, acetyl, and phosphate groups, and also small proteins, such as ubiquitin. There are around 200 different types of covalent regulators that have been identified.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
These groups modify specific amino acids in a protein.
02:32Histone Modification
The histone proteins have a flexible N-terminal tail extending out from the nucleosome. These histone tails are often subjected to post-translational modifications such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination. Particular combinations of these modifications form “histone codes” that influence the chromatin folding and tissue-specific gene expression.
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...
Acetylation
The enzyme histone acetyltransferase adds acetyl group to the histones. Another enzyme, histone deacetylase,...