The VDR gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein that helps the body use vitamin D. This vitamin can be obtained from food or made in the skin after exposure to the sun or to light from certain other sources, such as tanning beds. Vitamin D helps maintain the proper balance of calcium and phosphate. These minerals strengthen bones and teeth and allow them to develop normally. One of vitamin D’s major roles is to help regulate the absorption of calcium and phosphate from the intestines into the bloodstream.
The VDR protein attaches to the active form of vitamin D, which is called calcitriol. This interaction allows the VDR protein to partner with another protein called retinoid X receptor (RXR). The resulting complex then binds to particular regions of DNA and regulates the activity of genes known as vitamin D-responsive genes. These genes direct the production of the proteins that play important roles in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body. By regulating the activity of these genes, the complex helps control how much calcium and phosphate are absorbed from food.
The VDR protein also appears to be involved in hair growth.
Other Names
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor; NR1I1; PPP1R163; protein phosphatase 1, regulatory subunit 163
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 7421
- OMIM: 601769
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
