Nuclear receptor for calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3 which mediates the action of this vitamin on cells ( , ). Enters the nucleus upon vitamin D3 binding where it forms heterodimers with the retinoid X receptor/RXR . The VDR-RXR heterodimers bind to specific response elements on DNA and activate the transcription of vitamin D3-responsive target genes . Plays a central role in calcium homeostasis (By similarity). Also functions as a receptor for the secondary bile acid lithocholic acid (LCA) and its metabolites (, ).
Subcellular locations: Nucleus, Cytoplasm
Localizes mainly to the nucleus (, ). Translocated into the nucleus via both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent pathways; ligand-independent nuclear translocation is mediated by IPO4 .