1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 uptake is localized at caveolae and requires caveolar function.

Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin that has been extensively studied due to its potential role as therapeutic for many diseases, including breast cancer. Previous research has indicated that calcitriol, the active form of Vitamin D3 has a negative effect on the metastatic ability of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) cells however the mechanism is not fully understood. The effect of calcitriol on IBC cells starting from cellular uptake must be investigated in order to understand these therapeutic effects.

Design of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 coupled quantum dots, a novel imaging tool.

1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (Calcitriol), one of the active forms of Vitamin D, plays a vital role not only in calcium absorption but also during neuromuscular function and regulation of inflammation. Epidemiological studies suggest a preventive effect of Calcitriol in breast, colon and prostate cancer, however high concentrations of Calcitriol are necessary. Therefore targeted biologically active probes must be designed to determine Calcitriol distribution and dynamics in vitro and in vivo.