A novel vitamin D-regulated immediate-early gene, IEX-1, alters cellular growth and apoptosis

Abstract

1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3) inhibits the expression of an immediate-early gene, IEX-1, which is involved in the regulation of cellular growth and apoptosis in a variety of cells. 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 alters the subcellular localization of IEX-1 by causing an efflux of IEX-1 from the nucleus, and the sterol decreases the expression of IEX-1 messenger RNA in cells via a novel DR3 repeat-type DNA response element.