Figure 7 | Scientific Reports

Figure 7

From: Ucma/GRP inhibits phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification via SMAD-dependent BMP signalling

Figure 7

Proposed model of the protective effect of Ucma/GRP in calcifying mVSMCs. Ucma/GRP expression is increased as a negative feedback loop mechanism when extracellular phosphate is elevated. Ucma/GRP prevents activation of phosphate-induced BMP-2-SMAD signalling in calcifying VSMCs, acting as an inhibitor of signalling cascades that lead to calcification. OCN – osteocalcin, OPN – osteopontin, ALP – alkaline phosphatase, MGP – matrix Gla protein.

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