title: Vitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, and Tissue Barriers.
abstract: Tissue barriers are critical in the pathogenesis of human diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and various cancers. Preserving or restoring barrier functions of the epithelia cells is a therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat the illness. Mounting evidence indicates that vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) play key roles in the pathogenesis of human diseases. In particular, we note an interesting link between vitamin D/VDR signaling and tissue barriers. In the current review, we summarize the recent progress on vitamin D and cell junction complexes. We focus on the functions of VDR and VDR-associated intracellular junction proteins, such as β-catenin and claudins. We also discuss the potential therapeutic functions of vitamin D in treating defective tissue barriers that involve skin, intestine, lung, kidney, and other organs. However, the mechanisms for the vitamin D/VDR signaling in tissue barriers remain largely unknown. Further studies on vitamin D/VDR's multiple functions in physiological models will suggest new therapeutic targets for prevention and treatment diseases with defective barrier functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Rush University, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Yong-Guo
authors.initials: YG
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Rush University, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Shaoping
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Rush University, 1735 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sun
keywords: Adherens junction; Claudin; E-cadherin; Vitamin D receptor; ZO-1; cancer; inflammation; tight junction; vitamin D; β-catenin