The role of vitamin D in normal and pathologic processes in the colon

Vitamin D₃ metabolites and analogues have recently been shown to play an important role in the regulation of a number of important cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, in addition to their established roles in mineral homeostasis. The actions of these secosteroids involve both rapid, nongenomic effects and genomic effects; the latter mediated via the vitamin D receptor and other transcription factors. Their effects have been described in a variety of cell types, including normal and malignant colonocytes. This article summarizes the rapid and genomic actions of vitamin D₃ metabolites and analogues on normal and pathologic processes in the colon, with particular emphasis on the potential of these secosteroids to prevent colon cancer.