Despite this, few VDR-related effects have been examined early in the lifecycle, during embryogenesis, with most research focusing on how VDR modulates expression of proteins that are involved in signalling, intestinal calcium and phosphate absorption, and calcium homeostasis with the emphasis on the chronic diseases of ageing, particularly osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, CVD and infection. The gene discussed is VDR; the disease is arteriosclerosis.