MGP and calcification: In the genesis of uremic vascular calcification, osteochondrocytic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) has appeared as a cornerstone process.[4] The osteoblast like VSCMCs produce bone proteins and release pre-calcified membrane matrix vesicles,[4] which normally contain calcification inhibitors, such as Matrix Gla protein (MGP), preventing them to exert their calcifying actions.[5] In order to act as a calcification inhibitor, MGP must first be activated by posttranslational gammaglutamate carboxylation.