Association of vitamin D ceceptor gene polymorphisms with risk of cancer: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Recently, there has been considerable interest in the fat-soluble vitamin D, which is essential for the proper formation of bones, for its potential role in cancer prevention as it operates through the vitamin D receptor (VDR) which is a nuclear transcription factor regulating several physiological processes like immune modulation, and cellular growth and differentiation. VDR genetic polymorphisms, or variations of the VDR gene, may cause abnormal functional performance of the VDR which may also predispose an individual to a particular type of cancer. Despite multiple studies having been linked with these polymorphisms including racial factors, and differences in lifestyle that may affect vitamin D metabolism, the association of these polymorphisms with susceptibility of specific types of cancers particularly; colorectal, breast and prostate cancer have actually been documented. This paper focuses upon the work done demonstrating the association of the VDR gene polymorphisms as a risk factor for cancer and attempts to evaluate important polymorphisms along with known biological mechanisms of their action, the emerging barriers to interpretation of results in the context of the present literature. Keeping in mind the complex nature of such relationships, the analysis attempts to highlight why future research should focus on how preventive strategies could leverage the cancer-preventive potential of vitamin D.