TRPV6 gene consists of 15 exons and 14 introns including a coding, and a 5-/3- non-coding region. The regions encoding the ankyrin repeats, 6 transmembrane domains and a pore region are indicated. Several VDREs (vitamin D responsive element) have been identified in its promoter region.
A haplotype containing 3 non-synonymous polymorphisms (C157R+M378V+M681T) represent a recent positive selection in human evolution. The same haplotype seems to be associated with renal calcium stone formation.

There is an alterative splice variant which missed 25-192 (a.a.). In EST database, there seems to be at least one more variant using different exon 1 (V2) and a variant starting from another site (P3) just upstream of exon 2 (V3).

Glycosylated membrane protein (725 a.a., MW ~70 kDa) with 6 transmembrane regions and a pore-forming loop. N- and C-terminal tails are in cytoplasmic side. This protein forms a Ca²⁺-selective ion channel in the plasma membrane.
TRPV6 interacts with calmodulin which contribute to the intracellular Ca²⁺-dependent inactivation to avoid an increase of free Ca²⁺ concentration.
The ankyrin repeats may play a role in the interaction between subunits. TRPV6 can form a homo-tetramer as well as a hetero-tetramer with TRPV5, which exhibits distinct channel properties.

Highly expressed in placenta, moderately expressed in exocrine pancreas, mammary gland and salivary gland. Highly induced in small intestine under low calcium conditions or by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment. Highly induced in prostate, breast and other cancer tissues during tumor progression.

Plasma membrane. Localized in the apical membrane of the epithelial cells in the duodenum, and syncytiotrophoblasts in placenta.

Apical Ca²⁺ entry pathway for total body calcium homeostasis in the small intestine under the control of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. TRPV6 likely also be involved in the placental Ca²⁺ transport from mother to fetus to maintain fetal bone mineralization.
TRPV6 may play a role in the Ca²⁺ entry pathway essential for keratinocyte differentiation. Although its exact function in cancer cells and tumor progression is still under investigation, TRPV6 is involved in an increase in proliferation and apoptotic resistance in cancer cells.

73% identity with human TRPV5. 89% identity with mouse TRPV6.