Subcellular mechanisms involving vitamin D.

During the past 15 years a vitamin D endocrine system has been demonstrated in which vitamin D produced normally in the skin is activated first by conversion in the liver and subsequently in the kidney to a hormonal form, 1,25-(OH)2D3. The production of the hormonal form of vitamin D3, is regulated, and much has been learned regarding the molecular mechanism of the hydroxylations of vitamin D and regarding the physiologic regulators of the 25-OH-D-1-hydroxylase. Much remains to be learned regarding the mechanism whereby the 1-hydroxylase is modulated. 1,25-(OH)2D3 appears to function in the target organs of bone, intestine, kidney, and elsewhere by a nucleus-mediated process. Receptors for 1,25-(OH)2D3 have been clearly demonstrated and characterized in crude form. How the receptor and ligand interact with the nucleus is not clear, nor are the gene products that result from this interaction known. One product, a calcium binding protein, is known but its role in calcium transport is in debate. Although much has been learned in the last decade and a half, much remains to be learned regarding the molecular mechanisms whereby vitamin D brings about its remarkable changes in mineral metabolism.