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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Characterization of G Protein-coupled Receptors by a Fluorescence-based Calcium Mobilization Assay
Published on: July 28, 2014
Matrix gla protein is regulated by a mechanism functionally related to the calcium-sensing receptor
A Farzaneh-Far1, D Proudfoot, P L Weissberg
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, ACCI level 6, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, United Kingdom. aff24@cam.ac.uk
Abstract:
Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a mineral binding extra-cellular matrix protein which is thought to be a key inhibitor of tissue and vascular calcification. It is known to be upregulated in areas of extracellular calcification possibly to limit further harmful calcification. In this study we have demonstrated that extracellular ionic calcium (high levels of which induce calcification) is a key signal for MGP regulation and that this effect is mediated by a G protein mediated cation-sensing mechanism, functionally related to, but molecularly distinct from the calcium-sensing receptor. We therefore propose that this novel cation sensing mechanism may play a homeostatic role in preventing pathological calcification.
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