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PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-9-3
pubmed:abstractText
Matrix Gla protein (MGP/Mgp) is a protein expressed predominantly by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and by chondrocytes. Transgenic mice lacking Mgp die 1-3 months after birth due to calcification of elastic fibers and rupture of large elastic arteries such as the aorta. Here, we report on cartilage formation that commonly occurs in calcified arteries of Mgp-/- mice. Using histology, von Kossa staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting, together with examination of cellular markers for VSMCs and extracellular matrix markers for cartilage, we provide evidence for cell transformation from VSMC to chondrocyte in the arterial media in the absence of Mgp. At 2 weeks of age in the aorta of Mgp-/- mice, VSMCs lose immunostaining for smooth muscle alpha-actin concomitant with the appearance of cartilage molecules as shown by immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting for aggrecan, link protein, and type II collagen. These data provide evidence that the absence of Mgp, and/or calcification of the ECM, in the arterial media can trigger chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage formation in blood vessels.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0300-8207
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
44 Suppl 1
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
272-8
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
Cartilage formation and calcification in arteries of mice lacking matrix Gla protein.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't