A recent study published in the international journal Frontiers in Endocrinology shows that a special gene named SDR42E1 plays a key role in the absorption of vitamin D in the intestine and its subsequent metabolism. The research found that blocking or inhibiting this gene can significantly suppress the growth of cancer cells, providing new possibilities for precision medicine, especially cancer treatment.
According to Xinhua News Agency, vitamin D not only regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestine, but also plays an important role in cell growth, nerve and muscle function, as well as maintenance of the immune system. Previous studies have indicated that certain mutations in the SDR42E1 gene, located on chromosome 16, may lead to vitamin D deficiency.
This study was jointly conducted by Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar, Middle East University in Jordan, and other institutions. The research team used “gene scissors” technology to inactivate the SDR42E1 gene in colorectal cancer patient cell lines. The results showed that the survival rate of cancer cells plummeted by 53%. In addition, the expression of about 4,600 downstream genes changed, with a significant portion involved in cancer-related signaling pathways and the absorption and metabolism of sterol-like molecules, further confirming the core role of SDR42E1 in regulating cell health.
The researchers pointed out that this gene can be regarded as a "molecular switch" for cancer cell survival. Selectively inhibiting SDR42E1 can effectively kill cancer cells without affecting normal tissue, laying a foundation for low side-effect, highly targeted precision cancer therapy.
Although further clinical validation and long-term research are still needed regarding the mechanisms involved, this achievement not only provides a new direction for cancer treatment but also offers a potential target for regulating vitamin D-related diseases.