Spontaneous calcification of arteries and cartilage in mice lacking matrix GLA protein.
Nature
; 386(6620): 78-81, 1997 Mar 06.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-9052783
ABSTRACT
Calcification of the extracellular matrix (ECM) can be physiological or pathological. Physiological calcification occurs in bone when the soft ECM is converted into a rigid material capable of sustaining mechanical force; pathological calcification can occur in arteries and cartilage and other soft tissues. No molecular determinant regulating ECM calcification has yet been identified. A candidate molecule is matrix GLA protein (Mgp), a mineral-binding ECM protein synthesized by vascular smooth-muscle cells and chondrocytes, two cell types that produce an uncalcified ECM. Mice that lack Mgp develop to term but die within two months as a result of arterial calcification which leads to blood-vessel rupture. Chondrocytes that elaborate a typical cartilage matrix can be seen in the affected arteries. Mgp-deficient mice additionally exhibit inappropriate calcification of various cartilages, including the growth plate, which eventually leads to short stature, osteopenia and fractures. These results indicate that ECM calcification must be actively inhibited in soft tissues. To our knowledge, Mgp is the first inhibitor of calcification of arteries and cartilage to be characterized in vivo.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Enfermedades Vasculares
/
Calcinosis
/
Proteínas de Unión al Calcio
/
Enfermedades de los Cartílagos
/
Proteínas de la Matriz Extracelular
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Nature
Año:
1997
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos