Spontaneous calcification of arteries and cartilage in mice lacking matrix GLA protein

Luo G, Ducy P, McKee MD, et al. · Nature

MGP-null mice developed spontaneous, inappropriate calcification of arteries and cartilage, dying of vascular rupture within about two months — the foundational evidence that a vitamin-K-dependent protein keeps cartilage from mineralising.

Population

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) knockout mice

Intervention

Genetic deletion of MGP, a vitamin-K-dependent calcification inhibitor

Comparator

Wild-type mice

Limitations

Total genetic knockout in mice; says nothing about whether supplemental vitamin K changes human cartilage outcomes.