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Updated: Jan 26, 2026
08:43
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
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Label-free quantitative proteomics identifies Smarca4 is involved in vascular calcification
Chan Wang1,2, Yun Tang1,2, Yanmei Wang3
1a Department of Nephrology , Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China , Chengdu , China.
Renal Failure
|April 12, 2019
Summary
Researchers identified Smarca4 as a potential early biomarker for vascular calcification (VC) linked to high phosphorus levels. This discovery could aid in the early diagnosis and prevention of VC in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) involves abnormal mineral deposition in blood vessel walls.
- High phosphorus levels are a significant risk factor for VC, particularly in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- Early biomarkers for hyperphosphorus-induced VC are currently lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify potential early biomarkers for hyperphosphorus-induced vascular calcification (VC).
- To investigate the role of Smarca4 in the development of VC.
Main Methods:
- Established a calcific rat aorta vascular smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) model using β-glycerophosphate stimulation.
- Performed label-free quantitative proteomics and LC-2D-MS/MS analysis.
- Validated findings in a VC rat model using real-time quantitative PCR.
Main Results:
- Identified 113 significantly altered proteins in calcific RASMCs; 56 were upregulated, 57 downregulated.
- Bioinformatics analysis revealed proteins involved in blood vessel development and liver regeneration.
- Smarca4 was significantly upregulated in both calcific RASMCs (fc=2.72, p=0.01) and in the aorta of calcified rats.
Conclusions:
- Smarca4 is significantly involved in hyperphosphorus-induced vascular calcification.
- Increased Smarca4 expression correlates with elevated levels of VC-associated microRNAs (miR-133b, miR-155).
- Smarca4 shows potential as an early diagnostic and preventive marker for VC.
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