We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Vitamin D Receptors?

By Brandon May
Updated: Feb 18, 2024
Views: 10,448
Share

The vitamin D receptors in the body bind to hormones and DNA proteins to affect gene expression and vitamin D synthesis. The receptors, also called calcitriol receptors, aid in vitamin D absorption and production within the body. They help regulate vitamin D within the body and are present in various places, including the liver and skin. Some studies suggest that an alteration in vitamin D receptors may increase the risk for breast and other cancers, as proper vitamin D absorption is a necessary component for preventing certain forms of cancer and other diseases.

When vitamin D is synthesized from the precursor cholesterol, found within our skin, it binds with intracellular receptors called calcitriol receptors. These receptors regulate the action of vitamin D in our bodies and contain hormone and DNA binding sites. Most studies suggest that the role of vitamin D receptors, or VDR, is to activate transcription, or the making of a gene. Most of the time, VDR form a network with the retinoid-X receptor which aids in the binding of DNA, and is said to be homologous, or the same shape as other surrounding nuclear receptors.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin which aids in the absorption of calcium and has been shown to decrease certain symptoms of depression. When vitamin D receptors are inactive or are not functioning properly, which happens occasionally in some individuals, many of the benefits to vitamin D intake become obsolete. The problems with vitamin D receptors usually occur in the genetic sequence of DNA which codes for the receptor, and may increase rickets in children or osteoporosis in older adults due to inadequate calcium absorption. Also, since vitamin D aids in preventing certain infections and cancer by increasing the immune system, trouble with vitamin D receptors may cause an increase in breast and other cancers.

One study shows that specific sequences of the vitamin D receptor gene may increase the risk of breast or prostate cancer in different individuals. African American men, for example, carried a higher risk for developing prostate cancer due to the sequence of DNA and regulatory proteins associated with vitamin D receptors. Other studies show that proper functioning receptors aid in fighting and obliterating infections and bacteria, such as salmonella. When bacteria is presented to the body, vitamin D receptors are able to bind to the bacteria and decrease its function by regulating certain bacteria development pathways.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-vitamin-d-receptors.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.