The vitamin D-binding protein gene contains conserved nucleotide sequences that respond to heavy metal, adipocyte and mitotic signals.

Characterization of the 5'-flanking region of the DBP genomic sequence is reported. Nucleotide sequences that serve as cis-regulatory elements for transcription in other genes have been found and include metal regulatory elements, viral enhancers, adipocyte and mitotic signals. The promoter region of DBP is not homologous to the 5'-flanking region of the albumin and alpha-fetoprotein genes despite the strong protein homology and evolutionary relationship among the three proteins.