VDR is a nuclear transcription factor encoded by the VDR gene, which is a member of the steroid-thyroid-vitamin D receptor gene superfamily of nuclear transcription factors. It has multiple domains, including an amino-terminal segment (domains A and B), a DNA binding domain (C) with two zinc fingers, a hinge region (D), and a carboxyl terminal domain (E) with ligand and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) binding sites. VDR acts as a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds to the vitamin D response element (VDRE) in the promoter regions of target genes, regulating their transcription. VDR is widely expressed in various human tissues, including the intestine, kidney, bone, skin, and immune cells. It has been reported to have more than 1000 target genes and is found in most human tissues. VDR is involved in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, bone health, immune regulation, and has been implicated in the pathology of at least 17 types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and periodontal disease. It also plays a role in the central nervous system, with VDR gene polymorphisms and vitamin D deficiency being associated with an increased susceptibility to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
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