Epigenomic effects of vitamin D in colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT

Vitamin D regulates a plethora of physiological processes in the human body and has been proposed to exert several anticancer effects. Epigenetics plays an important role in regulating vitamin D actions. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in the understanding of different epigenetic factors such as lncRNAs, miRNAs, methylation and acetylation influenced by vitamin D and its downstream targets in colorectal cancer to find more potential therapeutic targets. We discuss how vitamin D exerts anticancer properties through interactions between the vitamin D receptor and genes (e.g., SLC30A10), the microenvironment, microbiota and other factors in colorectal cancer. Developing therapeutic approaches targeting the vitamin D signaling system will be aided by a better knowledge of the epigenetic impact of vitamin D.

Vitamin D regulates various physiological processes in the body and could have anticancer effects. These anticancer effects are the result of interactions between many factors such as genes, the environment around the tumors, bacteria in the intestine, etc. in colorectal cancer. Epigenetic factors, including a big network of different molecules in the body that could control our genes without changing DNA, also play a role in regulating vitamin D. This review summarizes the advances in the understanding of different epigenetic factors related to vitamin D and colorectal cancer.