1 Laboratory of Immunology, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yusong, Taejon 305-333, Republic of Korea 2 School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Biotechnology Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Kwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea 3 Laboratory of Development and Differentiation, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yusong, Taejon 305-333, Republic of Korea 4 Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Taejon 301-131, Republic of Korea 5 Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Taejon 301-131, Republic of Korea
Vitamin D 3 upregulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a stress-response gene that is upregulated by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 in tumor cells. The in vivo roles of VDUP1 were investigated by producing mice lacking VDUP1 (VDUP1−/− mice). VDUP1−/− mice showed minimal changes in the development of T and B cells, but there was a profound reduction in the numbers of natural killer (NK) cells. As well, these mice showed decreased NK activity. In the VDUP1−/− mice, the expression of CD122 was reduced, demonstrating that VDUP1 is required for CD122 expression and NK maturation. In addition, severe lymphoid hyperplasia in the small intestine was observed in VDUP1−/− mice. Taken together, these results suggest that VDUP1 is a critical factor for the development and function of NK cells in vivo.
Human Genetics
A  has been discovered that turns  into  killers, promising new treatments that boost the body's ability to destroy tumors.

 scientists from the  in Daejeon say that the gene,  (VDUP1), spurs stem cells to become .

These components of the  can eliminate virus-infected and cancerous cells.  Research leader Inpyo Choi says the team observed that VDUP1 plays a decisive role in causing stem cells to become natural killers. 

The discovery was made by examining mice bred to lack the gene. The mice had a dramatic reduction in the number and activity of natural killer cells. 

Besides determining the gene's importance to the immune system, Choi and colleagues have developed technology needed to spur the creation of natural killers from a person's own  stem cells. 

Choi calls this "the first step toward developing new treatments using our own immune system to fight cancers and other serious diseases." 

The research is reported in the journal ''''.