Study Finds Vitamin D-Related Gene That Could Help Treat Cancer and Immune Diseases

New Delhi: A recent study has identified an important gene called SDR42E1 that helps the body absorb and process vitamin D. This discovery, published in the journal Frontiers in Endocrinology, may open new doors for treating certain cancers and autoimmune diseases in the future.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, supporting the immune system, and protecting the body against various illnesses. The SDR42E1 gene plays a crucial role by helping the body absorb vitamin D from food in the intestines and converting it into an active form that the body can use. If this gene doesn’t work properly, the body may suffer from vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to multiple health problems.

Previous research showed that a mutation in the SDR42E1 gene results in a shortened, inactive protein that cannot function correctly. This mutation is linked to low vitamin D levels in the body.

In the current study, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to deactivate the SDR42E1 gene in a colon cancer cell line called HCT116. These cancer cells usually have high levels of the gene, suggesting they rely on it for survival. When the gene was switched off, the number of cancer cells dropped by over 53%, while healthy nearby cells remained unaffected. This indicates that targeting SDR42E1 may selectively kill cancer cells without harming normal tissues.

Dr. Georges Nemer from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar, explained that blocking this gene could be a promising new approach in precision cancer therapies. Dr. Nagham Nafiz Hendi from Middle East University in Jordan added that while these findings are encouraging, more research is required before clinical use.

Because SDR42E1 is involved in vitamin D metabolism, it could also be a target for treating other diseases where vitamin D plays a key role. However, scientists emphasize the need for long-term studies to understand the full impact of manipulating this gene.