We examined how vitamin D3, specifically in its active form 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, influences lung cancer cells, particularly looking at Lewis lung cancer cells. Our research was guided by the question of whether vitamin D3 could affect both the movement of these cancer cells and their metabolism.
Through our analysis, we discovered that 1,25(OH)D treatment led to a significant reduction in the expression and activity of a protein known as Na/H exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) in lung cancer cells. This protein is crucial for the cells' energy production, particularly through a process called glycolysis.
We observed that with the introduction of vitamin D3, not only was there a suppression of glycolytic enzyme activity—resulting in lower energy production from glucose—but also the overall balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) was shifted. This change helps to discourage cancer cell migration, which is a key factor in metastasis, or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Additionally, our in vivo experiments supported these findings by showing inhibited tumor growth, further validating the potential role of vitamin D3 in combating lung cancer. Together, these results suggest that vitamin D3 could play a vital role in reprogramming cancer cell metabolism and preventing their movement, ultimately serving as a possible therapeutic strategy against lung cancer.