# FUNCTIONS OF THE PLASMA VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · 1993 · $182,377

## Abstract

Multiple functions are recognized and proposed for the plasma vitamin D
binding protein (DBP, Gc, globulin).  A research program is proposed to
continue and develop strategies to investigate these functions.
Procedures are designed to determine the various binding domains for C5a,
G-actin and vitamin D sterols, as well as synthesize peptides reflecting
these functions for the development of immunoprobes and cell studies
designed to help understand the nature of cell-surface DBP and its
possible internalization and disposition.  These studies will determine
whether some DBP functions are inter-related, such as C5a receptor
mechanisms for targeted sterol delivery to leukocytes and/or degradation
of actin scavenged by DBP binding, although a specific DBP receptor on
cell surfaces will also be sought and, as indicated, characterized and
sequenced.  The role of DBP in chemotaxis will be explored by fully
characterizing its association with C5a.  To understand the functional
and evolutionary differences of earlier DBP forms, cross-hybridization
studies will permit the isolation of avian and pre-avian vertebrate DBP
genes and cDNA's.  Important functions of DBP will be analyzed in
transgenic mice that over express the rat DBP gene and its protein
product, thereby allowing studies of sterol availability in vitamin D
deficiency and intoxication, as well as their resistance to actin
toxicity.  The studies proposed will lead to an improved understanding of
the roles of DBP in sterol transport and delivery, actin scavenger
mechanisms and regulations of chemotaxis, as well as the nature of the
DBP-cell surface disposition.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155620
- **Project number:** 2R01AR028292-13
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GM1XX56LEP58
- **Principal Investigator:** PETER J. SNYDER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $182,377
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1980-08-01 → 1998-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155620

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155620, FUNCTIONS OF THE PLASMA VITAMIN D BINDING PROTEIN (2R01AR028292-13). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155620. Licensed CC0.

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