Intestinal epithelial VDR is important for maintaining cellular and physiological levels of TJ protein Claudin-5 to prevent inflammation and tumorigenesis in the colon. At the molecular level, the CLDN-5 gene is a newly discovered downstream target of the transcriptional factor VDR. Lack of VDR led to a reduction of Claudin-5 and more tumors, whereas enhancing VDR increased Claudin-5 to protect the intestinal epithelial cells from tumorigenesis. Overall, we noted a link between VDR signaling and barrier functions in CRC.
- Yongguo Zhang
- Shari Garrett
- Jun Sun
