[Matrix Gla-protein and its role in vascular wall calcification].

Data on the structure of matrix Gla-protein (MGP), its chemical characteristics, regulation of synthesis and post-translational modifications are described. The information on the structure of the MGP gene, its well distributed polymorphisms are presented. Factors that regulate expression and activity of MGP include vitamin D, retinoic acid, extracellular calcium ions, cytokines, and some hormones. It is emphasized that MGP is an important inhibitor of calcification of soft tissues. These properties of this protein are associated with the presence of residues of gamma-carboxiglutamic acid of its molecule. Four possible mechanisms of anticalcinogenic action of MGP are described: binding with calcium ions and crystals of hydroxyapatite, binding to extracellular matrix components, interaction with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) and elimination the effects of the latter, participation in the regulation of apoptosis. It is emphasized that the study of allelic variants of the MGP gene is important in the context of their possible association with the development of cardiovascular and other diseases.