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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Analysis of Minerals Produced by hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 Cells Using Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: June 24, 2018
The role of fetuin-A in mineral trafficking and deposition
Michael M X Cai1, Edward R Smith2, Stephen G Holt1
1Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia ; Department of Medicine (RMH), University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract:
Calcium and phosphate are the principle ions involved in the deposition of mineral in the human body. Inhibitors of mineralisation are essential for the prevention of ectopic mineral precipitation and deposition. In the past decade, through in vitro, in vivo and clinical observation studies, we have come to appreciate the importance of fetuin-A (Fet-A), a circulating glycoprotein, in preventing ectopic calcium phosphate mineralisation. Moreover, the detection of Fet-A-containing mineral complex, termed calciprotein particles (CPPs), has provided new ways to assess an individual's calcific risk. The pathophysiological significance of CPPs in disease states is yet to be defined, but it provides an exciting avenue to further our understanding of the development of ectopic mineralisation.
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