Scientists found a brand new gene — and it may be the secret to stopping cancer.

A newly discovered gene may hold the key to both fighting cancer and enhancing overall health by controlling how the body processes vitamin D. 

In a recent study, scientists identified a gene called SDR42E1 as a critical player in absorbing and metabolizing vitamin D—a hormone essential not only for strong bones and muscle function but also for immune defense and cell regulation.

 When researchers used CRISPR technology to switch off SDR42E1 in colorectal cancer cells, tumor growth stopped entirely. The gene appears to control thousands of downstream genetic processes tied to cell survival, many of which are directly involved in cancer progression.

What makes this discovery especially compelling is its dual potential. While blocking SDR42E1 could help selectively destroy cancer cells, boosting its function might improve outcomes in conditions tied to vitamin D deficiency, such as autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders. The gene’s central role in producing calcitriol—the active form of vitamin D—positions it as both a potential target for precision oncology and a tool for enhancing health in other medical contexts. As researchers look toward future therapies, they caution that any treatment involving SDR42E1 will require careful balance to avoid disrupting the body’s vitamin D equilibrium.

Scientists just turned off a single gene in cancer cells - and tumor growth stopped entirely