FoxM1 AND Vitamin D3

PURPOSE: Dysregulated signaling of nuclear transcription factors vitamin D receptor (VDR) and Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) plays important roles in transformation and tumorigenesis. In this study, we sought to determine whether VDR signaling causally affected FOXM1 signaling in and pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to manipulate VDR signaling. The impacts of altered VDR signaling on FOXM1 expression and function in PDAC cells were determined using molecular and biochemical methods, whereas those on PDAC cell biology and tumorigenicity were determined using in vitro and in vivo experimental systems...

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is aberrantly activated in several hematological and solid cancers. Therapeutic options are sometimes lacking for urological cancers because their mechanisms of progression are imperfectly understood. Studies establishing the anti-tumor effects and safety of inhibitors of Hh pathways are needed for tumors in which the Hh pathways are activated. At present vismodegib is clinically available for basal cell carcinoma, and is expected to be extended to treat other cancers. Cholecalciferol, the precursor of active vitamin D3, is a strong inhibitor of Shh-Gli signaling and may have growth inhibitory effects in renal cancer...