Scientists have discovered that SDR42E1, a tiny gene linked to vitamin D absorption, could be the key to treating cancer: When it was turned off in cancer cells, the tumor stopped growing.
Vitamin D is known to be essential for bone health, muscle health, and proper immune system function. However, a new study published inFrontiers in Endocrinology , points to another surprising role: A gene called SDR42E1, which helps with vitamin D absorption, also turns out to be a molecular "switch" that can stop cancerous tumors.
The researchers, led by Prof. George Nemer of Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar and Dr. Najam Nafiz Handi of the Middle East University in Amman, found that when they disabled the gene's activity in HCT116 colon cancer cells, there was a dramatic 53% decrease in the cells' ability to survive. These experiments were conducted using the gene editing technology CRISPR/Cas9.
Wide-ranging impact on genes
After silencing the gene, a broad response was observed: Expressions of more than 4,600 downstream genes were altered. Many of them are involved in cancer-related signaling processes and the metabolism of cholesterol-like molecules – a key component in the formation of calcitriol, the active hormone produced from vitamin D.
According to the researchers, this means that disabling SDR42E1 could stop cancer tumors without harming nearby healthy cells. But no less interesting: It is also possible that "boosting" the gene's activity through genetic technologies could be useful in treating other diseases.
Applications beyond cancer
“Since SDR42E1 is involved in vitamin D metabolism, it could also be targeted in the treatment of other diseases in which it has a regulatory role,” explains Prof. Nemer. Nutritional studies have already linked the hormone to a reduced risk of cancer, kidney disease, and autoimmune and metabolic diseases.
However, the researchers caution against drawing premature conclusions. Dr. Handy emphasizes that the long-term effects of changing the gene's activity on the body's vitamin D balance need to be examined in depth.
The research is a promising step towards targeted genetic-based therapies, but the road to clinical application is still long and requires additional trials and regulatory approvals.
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