The active form of vitamin D3, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3), which acts through vitamin D receptor (VDR), is capable of inducing differentiation in myelo-monocytic precursor cells, but has been less widespread as a clinical treatment since D3 also induces hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Here, VDR is linked to hypercalcemia disease.