TDAG51 (T-Cell Death-Associated Gene 51) Is a Key Modulator of Vascular Calcification and Osteogenic Transdifferentiation of Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells.

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Vascular calcification (VC) in the medial layer of the vessel wall is a unique and prominent feature in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and is now recognized as an important predictor and independent risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in these patients. VC in chronic kidney disease is triggered by the transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) into osteoblasts as a consequence of elevated circulating inorganic phosphate (P) levels, due to poor kidney function.