Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Methodology for Studying Interactions of Vitamin A Membrane Receptors and Opsin Protein with their Ligands in Generating the Retinylidene Protein
Published on: October 4, 2024
[The recent progress in the studies of vitamin D receptor]
Jian Cui1, Hong Chen, Bing-ren Huang
1National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
Abstract:
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a nuclear receptor which can regulate the expression of many kinds of genes by combining with its ligand. This article is about the recent progress in the studies of VDR, including its co-activator, co-repressor, and the function in development, differentiation, immuno-regulation and cancer repressor. In the end, we summarized the recent progress in research of drug development about the analog of VDR ligand.
Insights
The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) regulates gene expression. Recent research explores its co-regulators, functions in development and immunity, and potential as a cancer suppressor, alongside VDR ligand analog drug development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Gene Regulation
- Nuclear Receptors
Context:
- The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor mediating the effects of Vitamin D.
- VDR plays a significant role in cellular processes by regulating gene expression.
- Understanding VDR's interactions and functions is key to various biological pathways.
Purpose:
- To review recent advancements in Vitamin D receptor (VDR) research.
- To highlight VDR's involvement in co-activator and co-repressor interactions.
- To summarize VDR's functional roles and therapeutic potential.
Summary:
- This review covers recent progress in VDR studies, focusing on its co-regulators (co-activator, co-repressor).
- It details VDR's functions in development, differentiation, immuno-regulation, and as a cancer repressor.
- The article also summarizes recent developments in VDR ligand analog drug discovery.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of current VDR research for scientists and clinicians.
- Identifies VDR's multifaceted roles in health and disease, including cancer.
- Informs future drug development strategies targeting VDR pathways for therapeutic benefit.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
Connective Tissue Cell Types
Fat cells (adipocytes), smooth muscle cells (myoblasts), and bone cells (osteoblasts) are some connective tissue cell types. Some immune system cells...
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Intracellular Hormone Receptors
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:

