Project

Study of the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches in pseudoxanthoma elasticum

Code
01P14610
Duration
01 October 2010 → 30 September 2013
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Laboratory medicine
    • Medical systems biology
    • Physiology
    • Laboratory medicine
    • Medical systems biology
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Physiology
    • Laboratory medicine
    • Medical systems biology
    • Molecular and cell biology
    • Physiology
Keywords
pseudoxanthoma elasticum pathophysiology vitamin k therapy ectopic mineralisation
 
Project description

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is characterized by soft tissue calcification, the pathophysiological mechanism of which remains unknown. Low serum vitamin K (VK) and inactivated VK-dependent calcification inhibitors in patients suggest a pivotal role for VK in PXE pathogenesis. We will study the role of VK in PXE, identify novel therapeutic targets, and evaluate the therapeutic use of VK supplementation.