Matrix gla protein is regulated by a mechanism functionally related to the calcium-sensing receptor

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2000 Nov 2;277(3):736-40. doi: 10.1006/bbrc.2000.3747.

Abstract

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a mineral binding extra-cellular matrix protein which is thought to be a key inhibitor of tissue and vascular calcification. It is known to be upregulated in areas of extracellular calcification possibly to limit further harmful calcification. In this study we have demonstrated that extracellular ionic calcium (high levels of which induce calcification) is a key signal for MGP regulation and that this effect is mediated by a G protein mediated cation-sensing mechanism, functionally related to, but molecularly distinct from the calcium-sensing receptor. We therefore propose that this novel cation sensing mechanism may play a homeostatic role in preventing pathological calcification.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcification, Physiologic / physiology
  • Calcium / pharmacology*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cations / pharmacology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins*
  • Matrix Gla Protein
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / agonists
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Transcription, Genetic / drug effects*
  • Virulence Factors, Bordetella / pharmacology

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Cations
  • Extracellular Matrix Proteins
  • Receptors, Calcium-Sensing
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Virulence Factors, Bordetella
  • extracellular calcium cation-sensing receptor, rat
  • Calcium