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Vitamin D-induced Synthesis of mRNA for Calcium-binding Protein

Nature volume 246, pages 100–101 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

THE discovery that vitamin D must first be converted into the metabolites 25-hydroxycholecalciferol1 (25 OH-D3) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol2 (1,25(OH)2-D3) before calcium absorption across the small intestine is enhanced has radically changed existing ideas as to the mode of action of vitamin D. Indeed, it is now well established that the most active metabolite of vitamin D for calcium absorption, 1,25(OH)2-D3, is produced solely by the kidney3 and that its production and secretion are under very fine endocrine control. This finding, together with the observation that 1,25(OH)2-D3 is specifically located in the nucleus of the target cell4 and the apparent involvement of RNA and protein synthesis5–7 in the intestinal action of vitamin D, provide the basis of the proposal that 1,25(OH)2-D3 can be classed as a steroid hormone.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. J. S. EMTAGE

    Present address: G. D. Searle and Co. Ltd, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

  2. E. KODICEK

    Present address: Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dunn Nutritional Laboratory, University of Cambridge and Medical Research Council, Milton Road, Cambridge

    J. S. EMTAGE, D. E. M. LAWSON & E. KODICEK

Authors
  1. J. S. EMTAGE
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  2. D. E. M. LAWSON
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  3. E. KODICEK
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EMTAGE, J., LAWSON, D. & KODICEK, E. Vitamin D-induced Synthesis of mRNA for Calcium-binding Protein. Nature 246, 100–101 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/246100a0

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