Additionally, knockdown of VDR enhances the sensitivity of fibroblasts to TGF-β, resulting in aberrant fibroblast activation in SSc and fibrosis (Zerr et al. 2015; Trinh-Minh et al. 2024).In addition to regulating integrin proteins for immune cell functions, VDR is also linked to reducing ROS generation and suppressing ROS-dependent pathways by restoring mitochondrial ATP production, complex V activity, as well as protecting the integrity of mitochondria-associated membranes (Chen et al. 2024). The gene discussed is VDR; the disease is systemic sclerosis.