title: Vitamin D: Beyond Metabolism.
abstract: Interest in vitamin D and the VDR gene is increasing as putative roles in human health and evolutionary processes are explored. This review looks beyond the classic biochemistry that links vitamin D to calcium homeostasis; it explores how vitamin D interacts with light in a broader perspective than simple skin photosynthesis. It examines how the vitamin influences circadian rhythm, and how it may have helped drive the evolution of skin pigmentation. To this end, the nutrient-nutrient relationship with folate is also explored. The VDR gene is additionally examined as a factor in the evolutionary selection of skin depigmentation at higher latitudes to allow vitamin D synthesis. Evidence is given to show that VDR polymorphisms exhibit a latitudinal gradient in allele prevalence consistent with such a paradigm. Overall, the review examines new evo-devo ideas that link light-sensitive vitamins to human health/phenotype, both within and across the lifecycle.
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia Mark.Lucock@newcastle.edu.au.
authors: Mark
authors: M
authors: Lucock
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Patrice
authors: P
authors: Jones
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Charlotte
authors: C
authors: Martin
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Emma
authors: E
authors: Beckett
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Zoe
authors: Z
authors: Yates
authors: University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Furst
authors: Central Coast Local Health District, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Martin
authors: M
authors: Veysey
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000528:radiation effects; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium
keywords: UV; VDR gene; folate; melanization; vitamin D