Published online before print January 30, 2003, doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000059406.92165.31
© 2003 American Heart Association, Inc.
Atherosclerosis and Lipoproteins |
Osteo/Chondrocytic Transcription Factors and Their Target Genes Exhibit Distinct Patterns of Expression in Human Arterial Calcification
From the Department of Medicine, A.C.C.I., Level 6, Box 110 Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ UK.
Correspondence to Dr. Catherine Shanahan, Department of Medicine, Addenbrooke’s Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ UK. E-mail cs131{at}mole.bio.cam.ac.uk
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Abstract |
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Objective— Mineralization-regulating proteins are found deposited at sites of vascular calcification. However, the relationship between the onset of calcification in vivo and the expression of genes encoding mineralization-regulating proteins is unknown. This study aimed to determine the temporal and spatial pattern of expression of key bone and cartilage proteins as atherosclerotic calcification progresses.
Methods and Results— Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on a panel of noncalcified and calcified human arterial samples, two classes of proteins could be identified: (1) Matrix Gla protein, osteonectin, osteoprotegerin, and aggrecan were constitutively expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in the normal vessel media but downregulated in calcified arteries whereas (2) alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and collagen II were expressed predominantly in the calcified vessel together with Cbfa1, Msx2, and Sox9, transcription factors that regulate expression of these genes. In the calcified plaque in situ hybridization identified subsets of VSMCs expressing osteoblast and chondrocyte-like gene expression profiles whereas osteoclast-like macrophages were present around sites of calcification.
Conclusions— These observations suggest a sequence of molecular events in vascular calcification beginning with the loss of expression by VSMCs, of constitutive inhibitory proteins, and ending with expression by VSMCs and macrophages of chondrocytic, osteoblastic, and osteoclastic-associated proteins that orchestrate the calcification process.
Key Words: calcification • atherosclerosis • osteoblast • cartilage • vascular smooth muscle cell • macrophage
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Introduction |
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Vascular calcification occurs as a complication of atherosclerosis and involves the nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HA) on membrane-bound vesicles and the local expression/deposition of bone-associated, mineralization-regulating proteins.1–3 Thus, it shares fundamental similarities with developmental osteogenesis and a feature of many end-stage calcified lesions is the presence of bone trabeculae and/or cartilage-like cells in the vessel wall.4,5 Until recently little was known of the function of bone-associated proteins in the vasculature, but gene knockout (KO) and in vitro studies have demonstrated that many of them regulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype and/or inhibit HA crystal growth.6–8 Moreover, the vascular phenotypes of the matrix Gla protein (MGP) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) KOs suggest that, in the normal vascular media, calcification is actively inhibited.8,9
Studies of human medial calcification (Monckeberg’s sclerosis) in diabetes and aging have suggested that the VSMCs that predominate in these lesions lose expression of calcification inhibitors, such as MGP, and begin to express "late" differentiation markers of both osteoblasts (bone sialoprotein; BSP) and osteocalcin (bone Gla protein; BGP) and chondrocytes (collagen II; COLII).4 This implies that vascular calcification may be caused by phenotypic modulation of resident vascular cells in a permissive matrix environment. However, few studies have explored the phenotype of VSMCs as calcification progresses in atherosclerotic lesions. Bone matrix proteins have been identified at sites of calcification, but it is unclear whether these were expressed locally by VSMCs or deposited from the circulation.2,3 Moreover, in contrast with Monckeberg’s sclerosis, macrophages associate with calcification in atherosclerotic plaques and express the mineralization inhibitor osteopontin, suggesting they may also play a role in regulating mineral deposition.10
In vitro studies using both bovine and human VSMCs have shown that VSMCs assume osteo/chondrocytic-like properties whereby they spontaneously, or in response to exogenous factors, co-express numerous osteoblast and chondrocyte markers, form nodules, and calcify over a defined time–course.4,11 The factors that regulate this phenotypic transition are unknown; however, a number of potent transcription factors have been identified that regulate expression of many of the osteoblast and chondrocyte markers induced. These include Cbfa1, the master regulator of bone differentiation and also essential for the induction of hypertrophic chondrocytes; Msx2, a homeobox-containing transcription factor crucial for cranial bone development; and Sox9, a master regulator of cartilage differentiation.12–14 The transcriptional targets of these factors include the bone proteins osteopontin (OP), BSP, BGP, and COLI for Cbfa1; BGP for Msx2; and the cartilage proteins aggrecan (AGG) and COLII for Sox9.15–18 The observation that Cbfa1 is expressed in VSMCs in vitro suggests that it may be involved in regulating the osteo/chondrocytic transition of VSMCs in vivo.19 Cbfa1 has also been identified in the calcified aorta of MGP KO mice.19 However, cartilaginous metaplasia of the aorta was the most prevalent feature in these mice.8 To date, the role of cartilage-specific transcription factors, such as Sox9, in calcification and the osteo/chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs has not been explored.
In this study we hypothesized that progressive changes in expression of genes encoding bone- and cartilage-associated proteins may be involved in the regulation of vascular mineralization and/or VSMC phenotypic change. We examined expression of a group of bone and cartilage markers, including late differentiation markers and their corresponding regulatory transcription factors, in normal arteries or arteries containing only fatty streaks (both noncalcified), and in arteries with early and advanced atherosclerotic lesions (all calcified). We demonstrate that before calcification, the expression of inhibitors of mineralization was downregulated whereas in the calcified plaque, both VSMCs and macrophages exhibited phenotypic characteristics indicative of cells capable of actively regulating mineral deposition and re-absorption.
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Materials and Methods |
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Collection of Material
Human aortic (n=30) and carotid endarterectomy specimens (n=20) were obtained at surgery with appropriate ethical approval. The degree of atherosclerosis was assessed by viewing en face, and a representative piece of each vessel was excised and snap frozen for histological analyses to accurately stage lesions and for use in in situ hybridization (see online Table I, which can be accessed at http:/atvb.ahajournals.org).
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry was performed on frozen sections using an avidin–biotin reaction kit (Dako) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sections adjacent to those used for in situ hybridization were stained for 
-SM actin (smooth muscle), CD68 (macrophages), CD3 (T-cells), and CD31 (endothelial cells). Lipid and calcium were viewed using Oil Red O and von Kossa, respectively.
RNA Preparation
The adventitial and endothelial cell layers were removed from each vessel and the remainder was enzyme dispersed in 3 mg/mL collagenase/1 mg/mL elastase (Sigma) and washed twice in ice-cold PBS. Explant cultures were established as previously described and cells were harvested before passaging.4 RNA was prepared from tissue or cell pellets and was DNAse digested at 37°C for 1 hour to remove contaminating DNA before preparation of cDNA.4
Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)
Total RNA (5 µg) was reverse-transcribed for 1 hour at 42°C using AMV reverse transcriptase and oligo-dT primer. To ensure that amplification was within the linear range, test reactions at 20, 22, 25, 30, and 35 cycles were performed and products were Southern blotted, hybridized, and quantitated. For all subsequent reactions, 2.5 µL of cDNA was used in 20-µL reactions using the primers and conditions described (see online Table II). Primer pairs covered an intron so that the size of the PCR amplicon showed that only cDNA was amplified whereas the identity of each PCR product was confirmed by sequencing. Reactions were performed twice and a negative (no RT) and positive control (SAOS2 cDNA) included with each reaction set. PCR products were electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and Southern blotted before hybridization with the appropriate 32P-labeled probe. Quantitation was performed by counting in real time on an Instantimager (Packard) and standardized to a ß-microglobulin control. Statistical analysis was conducted using a Student t test and ANOVA.
In Situ Hybridization
Sections were cut (6 µm) from carotid endarterectomy specimens and processed for in situ hybridization as previously described.4 Briefly, sections were hybridized overnight at 50°C using 2x106 cpm/slide of 35S-labeled sense or antisense riboprobes in 200 µL of hybridization solution. Probes were of similar size and included cloned PCR fragments (see Table II) and cDNAs. Slides were sequentially washed and then left to expose to Ilford K5 emulsion for 3 weeks in the dark at 4°C before being developed, counterstained with hematoxylin-eosin, and mounted.
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Results |
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Transcription Factor Expression in Osteo/Chondrocytic VSMC In Vitro
Human VSMCs in vitro undergo a spontaneous osteo/chondrocytic conversion and begin to co-express markers of both osteoblastic (ALK, BSP, and BGP) and chondrocytic (COLII) lineages.4 To determine the transcriptional pathways that are activated concomitantly with this in vitro conversion, we used RT-PCR to examine expression of master regulators of bone (Cbfa1, Msx2) and cartilage (Sox9) differentiation before and after culture. Freshly dispersed normal medial VSMCs expressed undetectable levels of Cbfa1, Sox9, and Msx2; however, in vitro VSMCs clearly upregulated expression of Cbfa1 and Sox9 (Figure 1). Msx2 expression was also detectable in vitro but only after hybridization of the PCR product, suggesting it was expressed at low levels (not shown). Thus, the osteo/chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs in vitro is associated with activation of multiple transcriptional regulatory pathways.
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RT-PCR Analysis of Gene Expression in Noncalcified and Calcified Arteries
To determine whether similar changes took place in vivo, we undertook RT-PCR analysis of gene expression in noncalcified and calcified arteries. RT-PCR analysis of gene expression in normal, noncalcified arteries revealed that OPG, MGP, secreted protein, acidic, cystein-rich/osteonectin (SPARC), OP, and AGG were constitutively expressed. Expression of ALK, BSP, BGP, COLII, and the transcription factors Msx2 and Cbfa1 was low to undetectable, whereas Sox9 and COLI, were variably expressed (Figures 2 and 3). In noncalcified arteries with fatty streak lesions expression of MGP and SPARC expression was significantly reduced, whereas the expression patterns of the other genes were unchanged. Expression of SM22, a smooth muscle (SM)-specific differentiation marker, was not significantly reduced in fatty streak lesions, suggesting that reduced expression of MGP and SPARC was not caused by changes in SM abundance (not shown).
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In marked contrast, expression of ALK, BSP, BGP, Cbfa1, and Msx2, all markers of osteogenic differentiation, was significantly induced in calcified vessels. COLII, a marker of chondrocytic differentiation, was also highly expressed in some calcified lesions. COLI and Sox9 were highly variable in their expression, as seen in the noncalcified vessels; however, the highest Sox9 expression was observed in calcified carotid lesions (Figures 2 and 3). Vessels in each sample group were from males and females across a wide range of ages but there was no evidence for changes in expression of bone-associated proteins with age, only with disease and calcification.
In Situ Hybridization
To obtain a detailed profile of gene expression within the calcified plaque, nine carotid lesions were used for in situ hybridization and immunohistological analysis. In these lesions calcification invariably colocalized with lipid and although intimal calcification was most prevalent, in some lesions, the media beneath large atherosclerotic plaques was also calcified (see online Figure I). Medial calcification was exclusively associated with VSMCs, whereas in intimal areas both VSMCs and/or macrophages were present. Macrophages were most abundant in association with calcification of large lipid pools whereas intimal VSMCs were associated with isolated areas of fine granular calcification in matrix-rich areas (Figure 4 and online Figure II). In none of the lesions was there morphological evidence of bone or cartilage formation.
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In situ hybridization demonstrated that within the plaque, in association with both medial and intimal calcification, subsets of -SM actin–positive VSMCs expressed ALK, BSP, and BGP, which is indicative of osteogenic conversion. In the same areas, expression of MGP, OP, and SPARC was low and/or patchy although expression of SM22 was detectable (Figure I). Cells expressing ALK, BSP, and BGP generally did not express COLII, a marker of chondrocytic conversion. COLII was expressed patchily in intimal and medial VSMCs not always in association with calcification (Figure 4). Expression of the transcription factors Cbfa1 and Sox9 was undetectable using in situ hybridization. Msx2 expression was detected in isolated calcified intimal VSMCs and in microvessels in the lesion intima and adventitia, areas that were generally not calcified (Figure 4).
In association with lipid pools and granular calcification, subsets of CD68-positive macrophages co-expressed high levels of ALK, BSP, BGP, and OP. Some macrophages associated with calcification also expressed lower levels of MGP, SPARC, and COLI (Figure II).
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Discussion |
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TopAbstractIntroductionMaterials and MethodsResultsDiscussionReferences |
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In this study we showed that the osteo/chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs in vitro correlated with expression of Cbfa1, Sox9, and Msx2, master regulators of bone and cartilage differentiation. Thus, in vitro, phenotypically modified calcifying VSMCs activate a number of mesenchymal transcriptional pathways that are suppressed in fully contractile, differentiated cells. Msx2 can modify the activity of both Cbfa1 and Sox9, and these transcription factors have a number of target genes in common.20,21 Therefore, it is likely that these factors act in concert to regulate VSMC phenotype at least in vitro.
Loss of MGP Expression May Initiate VSMC Phenotypic Modulation
Next, we looked in vivo to determine whether there was evidence for similar changes in gene expression during the progression of atherosclerotic calcification assuming a temporal progression from normal vessel to fatty streak to calcified atherosclerotic lesion. We found that VSMCs in the normal vessel wall expressed a number of inhibitors of mineralization, including MGP, that were downregulated in uncalcified fatty streaks and/or calcified lesions. MGP was initially thought to inhibit calcification purely through binding to HA. However, a number of observations suggest that MGP may also regulate VSMC differentiation. For example, MGP KO mice develop cartilaginous metaplasia, and overexpression of MGP can inhibit osteo/chondrocytic conversion of mesenchymal stem cell lines.8,22 Furthermore, MGP can bind BMP2, which is a modulator of VSMC phenotype.23 Thus, loss of MGP may "prime" VSMCs for phenotypic change by allowing normally inactivated morphogens to act on the vessel wall. In support of this, BMPs have been shown to be deposited in the vessel wall in association with calcification. Moreover, BMPs can potently induce expression of Cbfa1, Sox9, and Msx2, transcription factors that are upregulated in the calcified vasculature.3,11,24,25 Thus, MGP may play a greater role in dictating VSMC phenotypic expression that has been previously recognized.
VSMCs Exhibit Osteogenic and Chondrocytic Phenotypes in Calcified Arteries
In calcified atherosclerotic plaques, a dramatic shift in gene expression occurred. Expression of ALK, BSP, BGP, and COLII was increased together with Cbfa1, Sox9, and Msx2, the transcription factors that regulate their expression. This strongly suggests that in calcified atherosclerotic plaques VSMCs reactivate the same mesenchymal transcriptional program we observed in vitro. Also, in situ hybridization confirmed that some -SM actin and SM22-positive VSMCs in calcified areas of the plaque co-expressed multiple markers of osteogenic differentiation. In previous studies it has been assumed that Cbfa1 is the major regulator of osteo/chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs. However, we were unable to detect Cbfa1 expression in these same cells by in situ hybridization. This is probably because VSMCs express this factor at too low a level to be detectable by this technique. However, in a previous study Cbfa1 expression was identified in plaques but by cells that did not exclusively colocalize with calcification and that did not necessarily express SM-specific markers.26 Cbfa1-positive, -SM actin–negative cells were also identified in the cartilaginous, calcified aorta of the MGP KO mouse.19 Thus, the origin of Cbfa1-positive cells in the vasculature requires further investigation, particularly because Cbfa1 is also a marker of mesenchymal stem cells. The lack of -SM actin in Cbfa1-positive cells observed in previous studies may be indicative of the presence of stem cells within calcified vessels.27
Our study is the first to report expression of Sox9 in the vasculature. Sox9 is a master regulator of cartilage differentiation that functions upstream of Cbfa1in chondrocyte differentiation and bone formation.28 It was expressed in noncalcified and calcified arteries and potentially regulates expression of a number of matrix components common to both the vasculature and cartilage, such as AGG. In a number of carotid lesions both COLII and Sox9 were highly expressed. Although we could not directly demonstrate Sox9 and COLII expression in the same cells, VSMCs expressing COLII were observed in calcified lesions, suggesting a chondrocytic conversion. Interestingly, these cells generally did not colocalize with those expressing osteoblastic markers, suggesting that locally derived morphogens may dictate which particular transcriptional pathway will be dominant in VSMCs. For example, there is evidence to suggest that transforming growth factor-ß1 can mediate chondrocytic conversion of VSMCs in vivo and this morphogen has been shown to localize to specific regions of the plaque during atherosclerotic progression.29,30
Msx2, a transcription factor crucial for cranial bone development, was also expressed by isolated intimal VSMCs and microvessels. Previously, in a model of diet-induced diabetes, in LDL receptor–deficient mice, Msx2 was shown to be upregulated in adventitial microvessels.31 It was suggested that pluripotent cells, such as pericytes of the adventitia, undergo Msx2-regulated osteogenic conversion and these cells migrate into the vessel media and contribute to calcification. Our study would support the notion that within human atherosclerotic plaques, microvessels serve as conduits for the invasion of "mesenchymal stem cells," which may form bone, generally a late event in calcification. Indeed, in cardiac valve calcification, neoangiogenesis is a prerequisite for lamellar bone formation.32
Macrophages Exhibit Osteoclastic Features in Calcified Arteries
We identified subsets of macrophages, only in calcified arteries, that expressed high levels of OP, BSP, ALK, and BGP. This expression profile is typical of macrophages that can be isolated from the circulation, tissues, and breast tumors and that have the capacity to differentiate into osteoclast-like cells in vitro and in animal models.33 This osteoclastic expression profile was not found in fatty streaks that contain abundant macrophages, suggesting that osteoclast induction is dependent on a calcified environment. Moreover, OPG a member of the tumor necrosis factor- receptor family with a well-defined role as an inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation, was downregulated in the calcified vessel wall, and OPG protein has been shown previously to be absent from sites of calcification.3,9 Thus, loss of OPG may be permissive for osteoclastic differentiation of macrophages. Descriptions of remodeled bone in the vessel wall suggest that osteoclastic activity must be present, at least at late stages of calcification/ossification, and our study adds further to the extensive evidence supporting the presence of osteoclastic macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques.34 Functional studies are now required to examine the HA-reabsorbing properties of plaque macrophages.
In summary, this study has identified a number of bone-associated proteins that change expression as vascular calcification progresses and that, by inference from their roles in endochondral ossification, are key regulators of vascular calcification. Our data suggest that VSMCs normally express proteins that inhibit calcification but that in early atherosclerosis and before calcification, expression of some of these inhibitors is downregulated, contributing to a loss of homeostatic inhibition of calcification and, potentially, changes in VSMC phenotype. In established calcification, there is evidence for activation of both chondrocytic and osteogenic transcriptional pathways in VSMCs, coupled with activation of an osteoclastic pathway in macrophages. The local environmental factors responsible for these events remain to be identified.
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Acknowledgments |
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This work was supported by grants from the British Heart Foundation to C.M.S. and P.L.W. We thank P. Kirkpatrick of the Department of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Addenbrooke’s Transplant Team.
Received November 13, 2002; accepted January 14, 2003.
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References |
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 E. Adiguzel, P. J Ahmad, C. Franco, and M. P Bendeck Collagens in the progression and complications of atherosclerosis Vascular Medicine, February 1, 2009; 14(1): 73 - 89. [Abstract] [PDF]
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 L. McRobb, D. J. Handelsman, and A. K. Heather Androgen-Induced Progression of Arterial Calcification in Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice Is Uncoupled from Plaque Growth and Lipid Levels Endocrinology, February 1, 2009; 150(2): 841 - 848. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 M.-u. Alam, J. P. Kirton, F. L. Wilkinson, E. Towers, S. Sinha, M. Rouhi, T. N. Vizard, A. P. Sage, D. Martin, D. T. Ward, et al. Calcification is associated with loss of functional calcium-sensing receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells Cardiovasc Res, February 1, 2009; 81(2): 260 - 268. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 M. Nybo and L. M Rasmussen The capability of plasma osteoprotegerin as a predictor of cardiovascular disease: a systematic literature review Eur. J. Endocrinol., November 1, 2008; 159(5): 603 - 608. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 R. C. Shroff, R. McNair, N. Figg, J. N. Skepper, L. Schurgers, A. Gupta, M. Hiorns, A. E. Donald, J. Deanfield, L. Rees, et al. Dialysis Accelerates Medial Vascular Calcification in Part by Triggering Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis Circulation, October 21, 2008; 118(17): 1748 - 1757. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 D. A. Towler Oxidation, Inflammation, and Aortic Valve Calcification: Peroxide Paves an Osteogenic Path J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., September 2, 2008; 52(10): 851 - 854. [Full Text] [PDF]
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 S.-L. Cheng, J.-S. Shao, J. Cai, O. L. Sierra, and D. A. Towler Msx2 Exerts Bone Anabolism via Canonical Wnt Signaling J. Biol. Chem., July 18, 2008; 283(29): 20505 - 20522. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 T. Endo, K. Ohta, and T. Kobayashi Expression and Function of Cbfa-1/Runx2 in Thyroid Papillary Carcinoma Cells J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., June 1, 2008; 93(6): 2409 - 2412. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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S. Mathew, K. S. Tustison, T. Sugatani, L. R. Chaudhary, L. Rifas, and K. A. Hruska The Mechanism of Phosphorus as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor in CKD J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., June 1, 2008; 19(6): 1092 - 1105. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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C. H. Byon, A. Javed, Q. Dai, J. C. Kappes, T. L. Clemens, V. M. Darley-Usmar, J. M. McDonald, and Y. Chen Oxidative Stress Induces Vascular Calcification through Modulation of the Osteogenic Transcription Factor Runx2 by AKT Signaling J. Biol. Chem., May 30, 2008; 283(22): 15319 - 15327. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 D. A. Towler Vascular Calcification: A Perspective On An Imminent Disease Epidemic IBMS BoneKEy, February 1, 2008; 5(2): 41 - 58. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 T. Tanaka, H. Sato, H. Doi, C. A. Yoshida, T. Shimizu, H. Matsui, M. Yamazaki, H. Akiyama, K. Kawai-Kowase, T. Iso, et al. Runx2 Represses Myocardin-Mediated Differentiation and Facilitates Osteogenic Conversion of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Mol. Cell. Biol., February 1, 2008; 28(3): 1147 - 1160. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 J. Cunningham, J. Floege, G. London, M. Rodriguez, and C. M. Shanahan Clinical Outcomes in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and the Potential Role of Calcimimetics NDT Plus, January 1, 2008; 1(suppl_1): i29 - i35. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 G. Saab, A. T. Whaley-Connell, R. Khanna, and J. R. Sowers Review: Therapy for the altered mineral metabolism of chronic kidney disease: implications for vascular calcification Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, December 1, 2007; 1(2): 107 - 112. [Abstract] [PDF]
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 Z. Al-Aly, J.-S. Shao, C.-F. Lai, E. Huang, J. Cai, A. Behrmann, S.-L. Cheng, and D. A. Towler Aortic Msx2-Wnt Calcification Cascade Is Regulated by TNF-{alpha} Dependent Signals in Diabetic Ldlr / Mice Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, December 1, 2007; 27(12): 2589 - 2596. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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Y. Orita, H. Yamamoto, N. Kohno, M. Sugihara, H. Honda, S. Kawamata, S. Mito, N. N. Soe, and M. Yoshizumi Role of Osteoprotegerin in Arterial Calcification: Development of New Animal Model Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, September 1, 2007; 27(9): 2058 - 2064. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 G. Molostvov, S. James, S. Fletcher, J. Bennett, H. Lehnert, R. Bland, and D. Zehnder Extracellular calcium-sensing receptor is functionally expressed in human artery Am J Physiol Renal Physiol, September 1, 2007; 293(3): F946 - F955. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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R. Westenfeld, C. Schafer, R. Smeets, V. M. Brandenburg, J. Floege, M. Ketteler, and W. Jahnen-Dechent Fetuin-A (AHSG) prevents extraosseous calcification induced by uraemia and phosphate challenge in mice Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., June 1, 2007; 22(6): 1537 - 1546. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 M.-L. Gross, H.-P. Meyer, H. Ziebart, P. Rieger, U. Wenzel, K. Amann, I. Berger, M. Adamczak, P. Schirmacher, and E. Ritz Calcification of Coronary Intima and Media: Immunohistochemistry, Backscatter Imaging, and X-Ray Analysis in Renal and Nonrenal Patients Clin. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., January 1, 2007; 2(1): 121 - 134. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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K. Hayashi, S. Nakamura, W. Nishida, and K. Sobue Bone Morphogenetic Protein-Induced Msx1 and Msx2 Inhibit Myocardin-Dependent Smooth Muscle Gene Transcription Mol. Cell. Biol., December 15, 2006; 26(24): 9456 - 9470. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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N. X. Chen, D. Duan, K. D. O'Neill, and S. M. Moe High glucose increases the expression of Cbfa1 and BMP-2 and enhances the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., December 1, 2006; 21(12): 3435 - 3442. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 M. Mayr, J. Zhang, A. S. Greene, D. Gutterman, J. Perloff, and P. Ping Proteomics-based Development of Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanistic, Clinical, and Therapeutic Insights Mol. Cell. Proteomics, October 1, 2006; 5(10): 1853 - 1864. [Full Text] [PDF]
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B. J. Bennett, M. Scatena, E. A. Kirk, M. Rattazzi, R. M. Varon, M. Averill, S. M. Schwartz, C. M. Giachelli, and M. E. Rosenfeld Osteoprotegerin Inactivation Accelerates Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesion Progression and Calcification in Older ApoE-/- Mice Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, September 1, 2006; 26(9): 2117 - 2124. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 R Shetty, A Pepin, A Charest, J Perron, D Doyle, P Voisine, F Dagenais, P Pibarot, and P Mathieu Expression of bone-regulatory proteins in human valve allografts Heart, September 1, 2006; 92(9): 1303 - 1308. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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A. Bobik Transforming Growth Factor-{beta}s and Vascular Disorders Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, August 1, 2006; 26(8): 1712 - 1720. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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J.-S. Shao, J. Cai, and D. A. Towler Molecular Mechanisms of Vascular Calcification: Lessons Learned From The Aorta Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2006; 26(7): 1423 - 1430. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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C. M. Shanahan Vascular calcification--a matter of damage limitation? Nephrol. Dial. Transplant., May 1, 2006; 21(5): 1166 - 1169. [Full Text] [PDF]
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L. M. Rasmussen, L. Tarnow, T. K. Hansen, H.-H. Parving, and A. Flyvbjerg Plasma osteoprotegerin levels are associated with glycaemic status, systolic blood pressure, kidney function and cardiovascular morbidity in type 1 diabetic patients Eur. J. Endocrinol., January 1, 2006; 154(1): 75 - 81. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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J. L. Reynolds, J. N. Skepper, R. McNair, T. Kasama, K. Gupta, P. L. Weissberg, W. Jahnen-Dechent, and C. M. Shanahan Multifunctional Roles for Serum Protein Fetuin-A in Inhibition of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Calcification J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., October 1, 2005; 16(10): 2920 - 2930. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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K. A. Hruska, S. Mathew, and G. Saab Bone Morphogenetic Proteins in Vascular Calcification Circ. Res., July 22, 2005; 97(2): 105 - 114. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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M. Rattazzi, B. J. Bennett, F. Bea, E. A. Kirk, J. L. Ricks, M. Speer, S. M. Schwartz, C. M. Giachelli, and M. E. Rosenfeld Calcification of Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Innominate Arteries of ApoE-Deficient Mice: Potential Role of Chondrocyte-Like Cells Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 1, 2005; 25(7): 1420 - 1425. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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I. Nadra, J. C. Mason, P. Philippidis, O. Florey, C. D.W. Smythe, G. M. McCarthy, R. C. Landis, and D. O. Haskard Proinflammatory Activation of Macrophages by Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystals via Protein Kinase C and MAP Kinase Pathways: A Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and Arterial Calcification? Circ. Res., June 24, 2005; 96(12): 1248 - 1256. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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G.D.M. Collett and A.E. Canfield Angiogenesis and Pericytes in the Initiation of Ectopic Calcification Circ. Res., May 13, 2005; 96(9): 930 - 938. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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D. A. Towler Inorganic Pyrophosphate: A Paracrine Regulator of Vascular Calcification and Smooth Muscle Phenotype Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, April 1, 2005; 25(4): 651 - 654. [Full Text] [PDF]
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K. Johnson, M. Polewski, D. van Etten, and R. Terkeltaub Chondrogenesis Mediated by PPi Depletion Promotes Spontaneous Aortic Calcification in NPP1-/- Mice Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, April 1, 2005; 25(4): 686 - 691. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 B. Braam, R. de Roos, H. Bluyssen, P. Kemmeren, F. Holstege, J. A. Joles, and H. Koomans Nitric Oxide-Dependent and Nitric Oxide-Independent Transcriptional Responses to High Shear Stress in Endothelial Cells Hypertension, April 1, 2005; 45(4): 672 - 680. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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J. D. Davies, K. L. H. Carpenter, I. R. Challis, N. L. Figg, R. McNair, D. Proudfoot, P. L. Weissberg, and C. M. Shanahan Adipocytic Differentiation and Liver X Receptor Pathways Regulate the Accumulation of Triacylglycerols in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells J. Biol. Chem., February 4, 2005; 280(5): 3911 - 3919. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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P. Collin-Osdoby Regulation of Vascular Calcification by Osteoclast Regulatory Factors RANKL and Osteoprotegerin Circ. Res., November 26, 2004; 95(11): 1046 - 1057. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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T. Ueland, R. Jemtland, K. Godang, J. Kjekshus, A. Hognestad, T. Omland, I. B. Squire, L. Gullestad, J. Bollerslev, K. Dickstein, et al. Prognostic value of osteoprotegerin in heart failure after acute myocardial infarction J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., November 16, 2004; 44(10): 1970 - 1976. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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J. L. Reynolds, A. J. Joannides, J. N. Skepper, R. McNair, L. J. Schurgers, D. Proudfoot, W. Jahnen-Dechent, P. L. Weissberg, and C. M. Shanahan Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Undergo Vesicle-Mediated Calcification in Response to Changes in Extracellular Calcium and Phosphate Concentrations: A Potential Mechanism for Accelerated Vascular Calcification in ESRD J. Am. Soc. Nephrol., November 1, 2004; 15(11): 2857 - 2867. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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C. Farrington-Rock, N.J. Crofts, M.J. Doherty, B.A. Ashton, C. Griffin-Jones, and A.E. Canfield Chondrogenic and Adipogenic Potential of Microvascular Pericytes Circulation, October 12, 2004; 110(15): 2226 - 2232. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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S. M. Moe and N. X. Chen Pathophysiology of Vascular Calcification in Chronic Kidney Disease Circ. Res., September 17, 2004; 95(6): 560 - 567. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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M. Schoppet, N. Al-Fakhri, F. E. Franke, N. Katz, P. J. Barth, B. Maisch, K. T. Preissner, and L. C. Hofbauer Localization of Osteoprotegerin, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand, and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-{kappa}B Ligand in Monckeberg's Sclerosis and Atherosclerosis J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab., August 1, 2004; 89(8): 4104 - 4112. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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S. Brunelli, E. Tagliafico, F. G. De Angelis, R. Tonlorenzi, S. Baesso, S. Ferrari, M. Niinobe, K. Yoshikawa, R. J. Schwartz, I. Bozzoni, et al. Msx2 and Necdin Combined Activities Are Required for Smooth Muscle Differentiation in Mesoangioblast Stem Cells Circ. Res., June 25, 2004; 94(12): 1571 - 1578. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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S. Kiechl, G. Schett, G. Wenning, K. Redlich, M. Oberhollenzer, A. Mayr, P. Santer, J. Smolen, W. Poewe, and J. Willeit Osteoprotegerin Is a Risk Factor for Progressive Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease Circulation, May 11, 2004; 109(18): 2175 - 2180. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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 R. Vattikuti and D. A. Towler Osteogenic regulation of vascular calcification: an early perspective Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab, May 1, 2004; 286(5): E686 - E696. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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J.-S. Shao, S.-L. Cheng, N. Charlton-Kachigian, A. P. Loewy, and D. A. Towler Teriparatide (Human Parathyroid Hormone (1-34)) Inhibits Osteogenic Vascular Calcification in Diabetic Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-deficient Mice J. Biol. Chem., December 12, 2003; 278(50): 50195 - 50202. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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S.-L. Cheng, J.-S. Shao, N. Charlton-Kachigian, A. P. Loewy, and D. A. Towler Msx2 Promotes Osteogenesis and Suppresses Adipogenic Differentiation of Multipotent Mesenchymal Progenitors J. Biol. Chem., November 14, 2003; 278(46): 45969 - 45977. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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L. L. Demer and Y. Tintut Mineral Exploration: Search for the Mechanism of Vascular Calcification and Beyond: The 2003 Jeffrey M. Hoeg Award Lecture Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, October 1, 2003; 23(10): 1739 - 1743. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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L. A. Fitzpatrick, R. T. Turner, and E. R. Ritman Endochondral Bone Formation in the Heart: A Possible Mechanism of Coronary Calcification Endocrinology, June 1, 2003; 144(6): 2214 - 2219. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
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