title: Matrix Gla protein in tumoral pathology.
abstract: Matrix Gla protein is a vitamin K-dependent protein secreted by chondrocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. The presence of matrix Gla protein was reported in arterial and venous walls, lungs, kidney, uterus, heart, tooth cementum and eyes. Several studies identified matrix Gla protein in tumoral pathology. Until recently, it was thought to only have an inhibitory role of physiological and ectopic calcification. New studies demonstrated that it also has a role in physiological and pathological angiogenesis, as well as in tumorigenesis. The aim of this review is to report the latest findings related to the expression and clinical implications of matrix Gla protein in different types of cancer with an emphasis on cerebral tumors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Simona Roxana
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Gheorghe
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biochemistry, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Alexandra Mărioara
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Crăciun
keywords: angiogenesis; ectopic calcification; matrix gla protein; tumorigenesis