Transitional cell carcinoma express vitamin D receptors

G G Hermann1, C B Andersen

  • 1Department of Urology, Herlev University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Insights

Human bladder tumor cells express the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Higher VDR levels correlate with advanced transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), suggesting potential therapeutic roles for vitamin D analogues.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Endocrinology
  • Urology

Background:

  • Vitamin D analogues demonstrate antineoplastic effects in various diseases.
  • Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is the mediator of vitamin D analogue actions.
  • Limited research exists on VDR expression in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of VDR in human bladder tumor cells (TCC).

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis of VDR expression in tumor biopsies from 26 TCC patients.
  • Correlation of VDR expression with tumor stage and grade.

Main Results:

  • VDR was expressed in all examined TCC tumors.
  • Advanced stage TCC exhibited higher VDR-positive cell counts compared to low-stage disease (p < 0.05).
  • Tumor grade also showed a relationship with the number of VDR-expressing cells.

Conclusions:

  • TCC cells express VDR, indicating potential responsiveness to vitamin D analogue therapy.
  • Further in vitro studies are required to assess the functional impact of vitamin D on TCC cells.
  • Clinical efficacy of vitamin D analogues in TCC treatment necessitates further investigation.

Related Concept Videos

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis02:15

M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis

Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR activation may...
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).
Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia01:24

Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia

DysplasiaDysplasia refers to abnormal changes in the size, shape, and organization of mature cells, characterized by pleomorphism, nuclear abnormalities, and increased mitotic activity. It commonly affects epithelial tissues, including the cervix, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory mucosa, and endometrium. Although it may occur alongside hyperplasia, dysplasia is not a true adaptive response but a preneoplastic change with potential to progress to cancer.When confined above the basement...