1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D 3; its role for homeostasis of keratinocytes

Abstract

Epidermal homeostasis is influenced by a number of hormones and regulative growth factors that are maintained by a tightly regulated balance between cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death. Vitamin D is one of those regulatory factors. It has recently been demonstrated that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1α,25(OH) 2D 3) takes part in the regulation of the cell cycle by multiple and complex functions. This review discusses 1α,25(OH) 2D 3 and its analogues in connection with the renewal of epidermal keratinocytes as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying terminal differentiation or rather programmed cell death. Furthermore, interest is focused on the possible clinical application of vitamin D 3 analogues.