Spotlight on vitamin D receptor, lipid metabolism and mitochondria: Some preliminary emerging issues

- The link between mitochondrial effects of vit. D and lipid metabolism is described.
- The effect relies on the switch from oxidative to biosynthetic lipid metabolism.
- VDR KO and vit. D-deficient models show an unhealthy lean and cachectic phenotype.
- Vit.D supports both the proliferative and differentiating phase of adipogenesis.
- The effects of vit. D supplementation are variable.

Transcriptional control and modulation of calcium fluxes underpin the differentiating properties of vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3). In the latest years however few studies have pointed out the relevance of the mitochondrial effects of the hormone. It is now time to focus on the metabolic results of vitamin D receptor (VDR) action in mitochondria, which can explain the pleiotropic effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 and may elucidate few contrasting aspects of its activity. The perturbation of lipid metabolism described in VDR knockout mice and vitamin D deficient animals can be revisited based on the newly identified mechanism of action of 1,25(OH)2D3 in mitochondria. From the same point of view, the controversial role of 1,25(OH)2D3 in adipogenesis can be better interpreted.