Vascular calcification plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and
chronic kidney disease. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HSMCs) undergo mineralization
in response to elevated levels of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in an active and well-regulated
process. This process involves increased activity of alkaline phosphatase and increased
expression of core binding factor α-1, a bone-specific transcription factor, with the
subsequent induction of osteocalcin. Mounting evidence suggests an essential role for the …