New Gene Discovery May Help Cure Vitamin D Deficiency

Scientists have discovered a vital gene, called SDR42E1, that plays a crucial role in how the body absorbs and processes vitamin D. This breakthrough could not only help improve treatment for vitamin D deficiency but also lead to more precise therapies for cancer and autoimmune conditions.

The study, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology, highlights SDR42E1 as a crucial player in gut absorption and the metabolism of vitamin D, a nutrient that influences everything from bone health to immune system function.

Link Between the Gene and Vitamin D Deficiency

Previous research had already shown that a mutation in the SDR42E1 gene, located on chromosome 16, is linked to low vitamin D levels. This specific mutation causes the resulting protein to become shortened and inactive, disrupting the body’s ability to effectively use vitamin D.

Using Gene Editing to Understand the Gene’s Role

To explore this further, researchers used a powerful tool known as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. They applied it to a type of human colorectal cancer cell known as HCT116, which normally contains high levels of SDR42E1. This suggests that the gene is important for the survival of these cancer cells.

The scientists altered the active form of SDR42E1 in these cells, changing it into an inactive version similar to the one seen in individuals with the gene mutation. As a result, the cancer cells’ survival dropped by 53%

Promising Direction for Cancer Therapy

Dr. Georges Nemer, a professor at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar, noted that blocking or deactivating SDR42E1 could selectively stop cancer cell growth. What makes this finding especially promising is that while it harms cancer cells, it appears to leave healthy cells unaffected.
This suggests a potential new path in precision oncology treatments that target only cancerous cells, reducing damage to healthy tissues.

Potential Beyond Cancer

Beyond its role in cancer, SDR42E1 may also hold value in treating a wide range of other diseases linked to vitamin D, such as autoimmune disorders, given vitamin D’s role in regulating immune responses.
Dr. Nagham Nafiz Hendi from Middle East University in Jordan emphasised that while the results are encouraging, more research is needed before such therapies can be used in clinics. Clinical trials and long-term studies will be necessary to fully understand how interfering with SDR42E1 affects vitamin D balance and overall health.

Conclusion

Although these findings are exciting, experts urge caution. While SDR42E1 shows promise as a target for cancer therapy and other vitamin D-related conditions, its long-term effects on the body’s vitamin D system are not yet fully known.
Future research will focus on understanding the gene’s broader role in the body and ensuring that targeting it does not lead to unintended health consequences.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.