Matrix gla protein

Matrix gla protein (MGP) is member of a family of vitamin-K dependant, Gla-containing is_associated_with::proteins. MGP has a high affinity binding to is_associated_with::calcium is_associated_with::ions, similar to other Gla-containing proteins. The protein acts as an inhibitor of is_associated_with::vascular mineralization and plays a role in bone organization.

MGP is found in number body tissues in mammals, birds, and fish. Its is_associated_with::mRNA is present in bone, cartilage, heart, and kidney.

It is present in is_associated_with::bone together with the related vitamin K-dependent protein osteocalcin. In bone, its production is increased by is_associated_with::vitamin D.

Genetics
The MGP was linked to the short arm of chromosome 12 in 1990. Its mRNA sequence length is 585 bases long in humans.

Physiology
MGP and osteocalcin are both calcium-binding proteins that may participate in the organisation of bone tissue. Both have is_associated_with::glutamate residues that are post-translationally carboxylated by the enzyme is_associated_with::gamma-glutamyl carboxylase in a reaction that requires Vitamin K hydroquinone.

This process also occurs with a number of proteins involved in is_associated_with::coagulation: is_associated_with::prothrombin, is_associated_with::factor VII, is_associated_with::factor IX and is_associated_with::factor X, is_associated_with::protein C, is_associated_with::protein S and is_associated_with::protein Z.

Role in disease
Abnormalities in the MGP gene have been linked with is_associated_with::Keutel syndrome, a rare condition characterised by abnormal calcium deposition in is_associated_with::cartilage, is_associated_with::peripheral is_associated_with::stenosis of the is_associated_with::pulmonary artery, and midfacial is_associated_with::hypoplasia.

Mice that lack MGP develop to term but die within two months as a result of is_associated_with::arterial calcification which leads to blood-vessel rupture.