MSX2 and chronic kidney disease: Osteoblast-like cells express a variety of osteogenic transcription factors, such as msh homeobox 2 (MSX2), RUNX2, and Osterix (Osx), with RUNX2 playing a decisive role in VC secondary to CKD (Alesutan et al., 2017; Chen & Moe, 2015; Voelkl et al., 2013).