Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
08:18
Author Spotlight: Unraveling Vitamin A Transport Mechanisms — Linking Liver Receptors to Vision Health Through RBPR2 and RBP4 Interactions
Published on: October 4, 2024
1.4K
Structural considerations of vitamin D signaling
1Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Biopharmacy, University of Eastern Finland Kuopio, Finland.
Frontiers in Physiology
|June 18, 2014
Summary
Crystal structures offer limited insight into the dynamic functions of the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR). Subtle structural differences, revealed by computational methods, may significantly impact VDR signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology and structural biology
- Biochemistry and biophysics
- Computational biology and bioinformatics
Background:
- Static crystal structures provide limited understanding of dynamic molecular processes like transcriptional regulation.
- The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) functions as a molecular machine, integrating ligand, DNA, and protein interactions.
- Previous crystal structures failed to explain physiological differences among VDR ligands due to limited conformational distinctions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional aspects of VDR, including ligand, DNA, and protein recognition and binding.
- To discuss available data and explore potential implications and future research questions regarding VDR mechanisms.
- To highlight the limitations of static crystal structures and the utility of computational approaches for understanding VDR dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing crystal structure data for VDR-ligand complexes.
- Incorporation of findings from studies using full-length VDR-RXRα complexes.
- Application of computational tools to assess dynamic properties and identify subtle structural differences.
Main Results:
- Static crystal structures offer insufficient detail to differentiate VDR-ligand complex conformations, hindering explanation of physiological variances.
- Studies with full-length VDR-RXRα provide a more comprehensive view of VDR complex organization and function.
- Computational methods reveal subtle structural differences (e.g., pocket size, side chain positioning) in VDR complexes.
Conclusions:
- The full implications of subtle structural differences in VDR complexes remain unclear but may lead to significant variations in VDR signaling ('butterfly effect').
- A deeper understanding of VDR's dynamic properties and multi-faceted interactions is crucial for deciphering its physiological roles.
- Future research should focus on integrating structural, dynamic, and functional data to fully elucidate VDR mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
8.0K
The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
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...
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...
8.0K
01:25Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
5.1K
The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
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...
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...
5.1K
01:26Signal Transduction: Overview
8.5K
Cells respond to many types of information, often through receptor proteins positioned on the membrane. They respond to chemical signals, such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and other signaling molecules, initiating a series of molecular reactions to produce an appropriate response. This is called signal transduction. Cells also coordinate different responses elicited by the same signaling molecule via mediators, allowing molecular cross-talk.
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
8.5K
01:22Diversity in Cell Signaling Responses
7.1K
The physiological function of a cell and cellular communication are outcomes of a range of extrinsic signals, intracellular signaling pathways, and cellular responses. No two cell types express the same repertoire of signaling components. Receptors are highly selective for their cognate ligands, but once activated, they can alter multiple cellular processes such as DNA transcription, protein synthesis, and metabolic activity.
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
Graded and Abrupt Responses
Some signaling systems generate...
7.1K
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
4.7K
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
4.7K
01:08Chemical Signaling in the Endocrine System
7.2K
A signaling cascade is a series of events that facilitates the transmission of information within or between cells, culminating in a targeted response in the recipient cell. As chemical messengers, hormones are pivotal in initiating and modulating these intricate signaling cascades based on their solubility.
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
7.2K