The vitamin D receptor--structure and transcriptional activation.

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is an integral part of the body's calcium regulatory system. In this review, recent advances in the understanding of VDR structure and function are discussed. Both direct mutagenesis studies on the VDR and structural studies of related receptors have been reviewed. Recent insights into DNA binding and ligand binding by the VDR are discussed, along with implications for gene regulation by the VDR. The potential role of co-activators and co-repressors in VDR-regulated transcription are discussed, and avenues of future research proposed.