What are vitamin D receptors?

Vitamin D receptors in the body bind to hormones and proteins of DNA to affect gene expression and vitamin D synthesis. Receptors, also called calcitriol receptors, help in the absorption and production of vitamin D in the body. They help regulate vitamin D in the body and are present in various places, including liver and skin. Some studies suggest that a change in vitamin D receptors may increase the risk of breast and other cancer, as the correct absorption of vitamin D is an essential part of preventing certain forms of cancer and other diseases. These receptors regulate the effect of vitamin D in our body and contain hormonal and DNA binding areas. Most studies suggest that the role of vitamin D, or VDR receptors, is to activate the transcription or gene production. The VDR usually consists of a retinoid-X netreceptor that helps in DNA binding and is considered to be a homologous or the same shape as other surrounding nuclear receptors.

vitaminD is an important vitamin that helps in calcium absorption and has been shown to reduce certain symptoms of depression. If vitamin D receptors are inactive or do not work properly, which is sometimes happening in some individuals, many benefits for vitamin D intake are outdated. Vitamin D receptors usually occur in DNA genetic sequence that encodes the receptor, and can increase intersections in children or osteoporosis in older adults due to insufficient calcium absorption. Also, as vitamin D helps to prevent certain infections and cancer by increasing the immune system, the problems with vitamin D receptors may cause breast and other cancer.

One study shows that the specifications of the vitamin D receptor gene sequence can increase the risk of breast or prostate cancer in different individuals. For example, African American men brought a higher risk of developing prostate cancer due to DNA sequence and regulatory proteins associated with vitamin D receptors. Other studies show,that proper functional receptors help fight and smooth out infections and bacteria, such as Salmonella. When bacteria are presented to the body, vitamin D receptors can bind to bacteria and reduce its function by regulating certain ways of bacteria development.