CHOLECALCIFEROL RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Cholecalciferol receptors, also known as vitamin D receptors (VDRs), are protein molecules found in various tissues throughout the body that have the ability to bind to cholecalciferol, also known as vitamin D3. Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D that is synthesized in the skin upon exposure to sunlight or obtained through dietary sources.
The cholecalciferol receptors belong to a class of nuclear transcription factors called ligand-activated transcription factors. When cholecalciferol enters the bloodstream either by production in the skin or absorption from the intestines, it circulates and binds to these receptors within target tissues, such as the small intestine, kidneys, bones, and immune cells.
Once cholecalciferol binds to its corresponding receptor, it initiates a series of cellular responses that regulate gene expression. In other words, the cholecalciferol receptors act as molecular switches that turn on or off certain genes involved in calcium and phosphate metabolism, immune function, cell growth, and differentiation.
The activation of cholecalciferol receptors plays a crucial role in maintaining calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, promoting bone mineralization, modulating immune responses, and supporting overall cellular health. Deficiencies or abnormalities in cholecalciferol receptors may lead to conditions such as rickets, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer.
In summary, cholecalciferol receptors are protein molecules found in various tissues that bind to cholecalciferol and regulate gene expression, thereby influencing numerous physiological processes including bone health, immune function, and cellular growth.
Common Misspellings for CHOLECALCIFEROL RECEPTORS
- xholecalciferol receptors
- vholecalciferol receptors
- fholecalciferol receptors
- dholecalciferol receptors
- cgolecalciferol receptors
- cbolecalciferol receptors
- cnolecalciferol receptors
- cjolecalciferol receptors
- cuolecalciferol receptors
- cyolecalciferol receptors
- chilecalciferol receptors
- chklecalciferol receptors
- chllecalciferol receptors
- chplecalciferol receptors
- ch0lecalciferol receptors
- ch9lecalciferol receptors
- chokecalciferol receptors
- chopecalciferol receptors
- chooecalciferol receptors
- cholwcalciferol receptors
Etymology of CHOLECALCIFEROL RECEPTORS
The word "cholecalciferol" is derived from the Latin word "chole" meaning "bile" or "gall", and "calciferol" which comes from "calx" meaning "lime" or "chalk" and "ferre" meaning "to carry". Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D that is synthesized in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight.
The term "receptor" is derived from the Latin word "recipere" meaning "to receive" or "to take back". In the context of biology, receptors are molecules or structures that are specifically designed to recognize and bind to certain substances, such as hormones or neurotransmitters, allowing the organism to respond to specific signals.
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