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[Molucular mechanism of vitamin D actions]
1Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo.
Abstract:
Vitamin D has roles in a variety of biological actions such as calcium homeostasis, cell proliferation and cell differentiation in many target tissues. Most of such biological actions of vitamin D are now considered to be exerted through nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) -mediated control of target genes. VDR belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily and acts as a ligand-inducible transcription factor. For the ligand-induced transctivation of VDR, the coactivator complexes have been recently shown essential. The function of VDR as a ligand-induced transcription factor is overviewed.
Insights
Vitamin D influences calcium balance and cell activity through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a key transcription factor. Understanding VDR
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Context:
- Vitamin D is crucial for calcium homeostasis, cell proliferation, and differentiation.
- The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates most of vitamin D's biological actions.
- VDR functions as a ligand-inducible transcription factor within the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily.
Purpose:
- To provide an overview of the function of the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR).
- To highlight the role of VDR as a ligand-inducible transcription factor.
- To discuss the essentiality of coactivator complexes in VDR transactivation.
Summary:
- Vitamin D exerts biological effects primarily through the VDR, which controls target genes.
- VDR, a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, acts as a transcription factor.
- Ligand-induced activation of VDR critically depends on coactivator complexes.
Impact:
- Elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying vitamin D action.
- Provides insights into gene regulation by VDR.
- Forms a basis for understanding VDR-related physiological and pathological processes.
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