Formation of Calcium Phosphate Minerals in the Presence of Fetuin-A

Mineral formation is regulated by molecular based promoters or inhibitors in biological systems. Among serum proteins, fetuin-A can effectively inhibit unwanted calcification in vivo via forming fetuin-mineral complexes called calciprotein particles (CPPs). Here, the formation and phase transformation mechanisms of CPPs are investigated in detail by combining in situ potentiometric measurements and solid phase characterization. It is found that fetuin-A inhibits mineral formation via affecting both thermodynamic and kinetic factors of precipitation. A better understanding of the reaction pathway as well as the interactions between the mineral and protein counterparts can potentially inform the development of in vitro model systems of biomineralization and pave the way for the development of new therapies to treat ectopic calcification.

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