Vitamin D regulation of energy metabolism in cancer

Abstract

Vitamin D exerts anti‐cancer effects in recent clinical trials and preclinical models. The actions of vitamin D are primarily mediated through the hormonal form, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D). Previous literature describing in vitro studies has predominantly focused on antitumorigenic effects of the hormone, such as proliferation and apoptosis. However, recent evidence has identified 1,25(OH)₂D as a regulator of energy metabolism in cancer cells, where requirements for specific energy sources at different stages of progression are dramatically altered. The literature suggests that 1,25(OH)₂D regulates energy metabolism, including glucose, glutamine, and lipid metabolism during cancer progression, as well as oxidative stress protection, as it is closely associated with energy metabolism. Mechanisms involved in energy metabolism regulation are an emerging area in which vitamin D may inhibit multiple stages of cancer progression.