Skip to main content

REVIEW article

Front. Cell Dev. Biol., 16 March 2021
Sec. Molecular and Cellular Pathology
This article is part of the Research Topic Ectopic Mineralization of Tissues: Mechanisms, Risk Factors, Diseases and Prevention View all 29 articles

Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Cause or Consequence of Vascular Calcification?

  • 1Functional Genetics and Development Division, The Roslin Institute and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom
  • 2Medical Research Council (MRC) Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom

Mitochondria are crucial bioenergetics powerhouses and biosynthetic hubs within cells, which can generate and sequester toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress-stimulated ROS production results in ATP depletion and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, leading to mitochondria dysfunction and cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial loss of function is also a key driver in the acquisition of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype that drives senescent cells into a pro-inflammatory state. Maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for retaining the contractile phenotype of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the most prominent cells of the vasculature. Loss of this contractile phenotype is associated with the loss of mitochondrial function and a metabolic shift to glycolysis. Emerging evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a direct role in vascular calcification and the underlying pathologies including (1) impairment of mitochondrial function by mineral dysregulation i.e., calcium and phosphate overload in patients with end-stage renal disease and (2) presence of increased ROS in patients with calcific aortic valve disease, atherosclerosis, type-II diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In this review, we discuss the cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction in vascular calcification and underlying pathologies; the role of autophagy and mitophagy pathways in preventing mitochondrial dysfunction during vascular calcification and finally we discuss mitochondrial ROS, DRP1, and HIF-1 as potential novel markers and therapeutic targets for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis in vascular calcification.

Introduction

The process of calcification takes place due to the precipitation of insoluble salts of calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. In soft tissues, three different types of calcifications are present, dystrophic (occurs in damaged or necrotic tissue), metastatic (hypercalcemia or hyperphosphatemia in blood) and calcinosis (deposition of calcium in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and visceral organs) (Black and Kanat, 1985; Booth et al., 2017). Vascular calcification is the most frequent type of soft tissue calcification whereby calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi) accumulates in blood vessels and cardiac valves. Vascular calcification is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), diabetes and atherosclerosis. Currently, there is no pharmaceutical strategy to prevent this pathological process.

Vascular calcification can be classified into three main types based on location: intimal arterial (associated with atherosclerosis), medial arterial (associated with ESRD and diabetes), and aortic valve (associated with calcific aortic valve disease) (Lanzer et al., 2014). The cell types that drive vascular calcification include vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells, calcifying vascular cells, pericytes and valve interstitial cells. These cells types contribute to the formation of calcified nodules and undergo osteogenic phenotype switching. This phenotype switching can lead to either osteoblast or chondrocyte-like differentiation (Hortells et al., 2018). Indeed, both of these cell types are present within small areas of calcification in the innominate arteries in the advanced atherosclerotic lesions of atherosclerosis-prone apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice (Rosenfeld et al., 2000; Davaine et al., 2016). However, advanced atherosclerotic plaques in human patients do not contain osteoblast or chondrocyte-like cells. Instead, they are rich in apoptotic smooth muscle cells, macrophages and cells associated with inflammation (Herisson et al., 2011; Jinnouchi et al., 2020).

Vascular calcification is also associated with apoptosis (Ewence et al., 2008), matrix vesicle release (Chen et al., 2018), and subsequent hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6OH2] deposition within tissues (Lee et al., 2012). The source of hydroxyapatite nucleation has yet to be fully elucidated with three key origins discussed in the literature: (1) Nucleation of hydroxyapatite within the lumen of matrix vesicles and subsequent release into extracellular matrix (Buchet et al., 2013). (2) Hydroxyapatite nucleation within collagen fibrils (Weiner and Traub, 1986; Landis et al., 1996) and (3) Release of mitochondrial-derived vesicles to the extracellular space from Ca-overloaded mitochondria (Boonrungsiman et al., 2012). This process of hydroxyapatite deposition within the collagenous matrix of vascular cells likely shares important biological features with the process of bone formation (Doherty et al., 2003). While majority of the hydroxyapatite originates as calcium phosphate (Bertazzo et al., 2013), a small proportion of it is made up of calcium carbonate, particularly in the human atherosclerotic calcified plaques (Schmid et al., 1980). A group of isoenzymes called carbonic anhydrases facilitates calcium carbonate deposition by reversible conversion of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate (Adeva-Andany et al., 2015). Furthermore, in addition to hydroxyapatite, other sources of arterial calcification have also been reported, like carbonate-rich calcium phosphate dense granules in collagen matrix of calvarial osteoblasts (Nitiputri et al., 2016) and whitlockite, a magnesium-containing crystal [(Ca, Mg)3(PO4)2] observed in a mouse model of uremic arterial calcification (Verberckmoes et al., 2007; Schlieper et al., 2010).

Key molecular determinants of vascular calcification have been identified in health, disease, and pathological ectopic calcification (Giachelli, 1999). These include positive regulators including, msh homeobox-2 like Msx2 (Zhou et al., 2013; Andrade et al., 2017), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) (Speer et al., 2010), osteogenic morphogen like bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp-2) (Hruska et al., 2005), the phosphate transporter PiT-1 (Li and Giachelli, 2007), and the release of matrix vesicles (Bakhshian Nik et al., 2017). Additionally, local enzymes including tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) and phosphate-regulating endopeptidase homolog X-linked (PHEX) are able to degrade calcification inhibitors such as inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) and osteopontin (Quarles, 2003; Murshed and McKee, 2010; Barros et al., 2013). Failure of this enzyme-substrate relationship can lead to an accumulation or degradation of these key inhibitors of calcification (Reznikov et al., 2020). Furthermore, ankylosis homolog (ANKH) protein and the enzyme ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1) inhibit VSMC calcification through enhancing extracellular PPi levels (Ho et al., 2000; Mackenzie et al., 2012; Back et al., 2018; Roberts et al., 2020). The mechanisms through which PPi inhibits vascular calcification include direct binding to hydroxyapatite; increased levels of osteopontin induced via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, and inhibition of TNAP activity (Addison et al., 2007). Moreover, cells expressing ankylosis homolog (ANKH) release PPi and citrate (Ca chelator) along with other tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) intermediates including succinate and malate (Hu et al., 2010; Szeri et al., 2019). Interestingly, citrate treatment attenuates vascular calcification (Yao et al., 2018) in a chronic renal failure rat model and reduces high Pi-induced vascular calcification (Ciceri et al., 2016; Ou et al., 2017; Yao et al., 2018). Furthermore, Matrix Gla protein (MGP) binds to Ca and hydroxyapatite to function as a potent inhibitor of vascular calcification (Hauschka et al., 1989; Luo et al., 1997).

Given that vascular calcification is mainly driven by mineral (Ca and Pi) overload and mitochondria are the key regulators of intracellular Ca and Pi levels (Pozzan and Rizzuto, 2000; Pozzan et al., 2000; Rizzuto et al., 2000), their physiology and metabolic function is likely to be effected by this pathological process. It has been demonstrated that an uncontrolled increase in cytoplasmic Ca leads to significant Ca overload within the mitochondria relative to the cytoplasm (Rizzuto et al., 1993). VSMCs containing calcified mitochondria have been reported as early as 1976 (Kim, 1976). Moreover, VSMCs in healthy vessels show calcified mitochondria when exposed to high Ca and Pi concentrations in vitro (Shroff et al., 2010). Besides, swollen mitochondria enriched with calcific nodules are a feature of a skeletal muscle injury model of dystrophic calcification in mice (Zhao et al., 2009). Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, altered mitochondrial metabolism and mtDNA damage are reported in common diseases associated with vascular calcification including ESRD (Gamboa et al., 2016; Roshanravan et al., 2016), atherosclerosis (Madamanchi and Runge, 2007) and type 2 diabetes (Nishikawa et al., 2000). Thus, mitochondria offer a novel potential therapeutic target for inhibiting vascular calcification. However, the mechanisms through which Ca and Pi overload impact specific mitochondrial components have yet to be determined.

In this review, we discuss the role of mitochondria in maintaining VSMC function, highlight important mechanisms underpinning the cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction in vascular calcification and consider key mitochondrial markers as targets for developing future therapeutic strategies for the prevention of vascular calcification.

Role of Mitochondria in VSMC Function

VSMCs within blood vessels require high concentrations of intracellular Ca to maintain their contractile phenotype. This influx of Ca takes place via voltage-activated L-type Ca channels on the plasma membrane. Blocking Ca channels with therapeutics such as verapamil and nifedipine (Ca channel antagonist) reduces calcification both in VSMCs in vitro and in patients with coronary calcification (Motro and Shemesh, 2001; Chen et al., 2010). Importantly, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism is the key source of energy for VSMC contraction (Paul, 1983).

VSMCs are the most abundant cells of the tunica media in the vessel wall. Their pivotal role is to maintain vessel structure and function. VSMCs in the vessel wall are often exposed to blood pressure variability, particularly in disease settings e.g., increased blood pressure variability during hypertension (Parati, 2005). Recently, it has been shown that maintenance of physiological blood pressure is required for preserving optimal mitochondrial structure and function in VSMCs (Bartolak-Suki and Suki, 2020). Any fluctuation in blood pressure variability can alter ATP production, increase ROS generation and disturb the mitochondrial network within VSMCs. Mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins including mitofusins (MFN), mitochondrial dynamin like GTPase (OPA1) and dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) regulate this mitochondrial reorganization during blood pressure variability (Bartolak-Suki and Suki, 2020).

Additionally, VSMCs maintain a contractile phenotype under physiological conditions, which facilitates blood flow through the arteries. However, under biological stress or injury, the cells differentiate into an osteogenic phenotype with an acquired ability to proliferate, migrate and synthesize extracellular matrix vesicles. These differentiated VSMCs migrate into the intima layer of the vessel wall and can induce arterial stiffening (Lacolley et al., 2017). This acquired ability of VSMCs to proliferate is regulated by mitochondrial outer membrane proteins such as mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2) (Li et al., 2015). Mitofusin-2 is required for mitochondrial fusion (Santel and Fuller, 2001; Chen et al., 2003) and is a primary determinant of oxidative stress-induced VSMC apoptosis (Guo et al., 2007). Increased expression of Mitofusin-2 in VSMCs induces apoptosis through upregulated mitochondrial bcl-2-associated X protein expression, increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 (Guo et al., 2007).

Glycoprotein cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) has a crucial role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis in VSMCs. COMP is present both in the extracellular matrix and in the cytoplasm where it binds to mitochondria. Mitochondrial transplantation experiments in VSMCs suggest that mitochondrial COMP regulates the contractile phenotype of VSMCs (Jia et al., 2018). In VSMCS, COMP deficiency leads to decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, defective oxidative phosphorylation and significant mitochondrial fragmentation/fission (Jia et al., 2018). COMP also interacts with prohibitin 2, a mitochondrial inner membrane protein, to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis. Prohibitin 2 plays a key role in maintaining mitochondrial genome stability and mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assembly (Bogenhagen et al., 2003; Strub et al., 2011). Blocking the COMP-prohibitin2 interaction results in a marked reduction in mitochondrial respiration, ATP production and the membrane potential, along with increased VSMC differentiation (Jia et al., 2018). Together these data illustrate the crucial role of mitochondria in the maintenance of VSMC homeostasis for healthy blood vessels.

Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Vascular Calcification

The mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunctional during vascular calcification have yet to be elucidated. Indeed, current literature suggests mitochondrial dysfunction as both a cause and consequence of vascular calcification, as discussed below (Figure 1).

FIGURE 1
www.frontiersin.org

Figure 1. Mitochondrial dysfunction as a cause or consequence of vascular calcification. Increased ROS generation and mineral dysregulation via damaged mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes are the likely key cause and consequence of mitochondrial dysfunction observed during vascular calcification. (A) Calcium released from the hydroxyapatite crystals from the extracellular matrix can enter the cytoplasm via endosomes and make its way to the mitochondrial matrix causing calcium (Ca) and phosphate (Pi) overload. This calcium and phosphate overload can damage the electron transport chain complexes and generate ROS. (B) AGEs are glycotoxins which are elevated in diabetes. AGEs and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) generate ROS from mitochondria and play a significant role in accelerating the vascular calcification process by enhanced synthesis of extracellular matrix components. Furthermore, ROS production is enhanced in aging vascular cells. (C) Enhanced ROS leads to vascular stiffening, vascular calcification, VSMC transition to osteoblast or chondrocyte-like cells and the metabolic switching from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. All these pathways are commonn denominators in pathologies including calcific aortic valve disease, atherosclerosis, type-II diabetes, CKD, and ESRD.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Cause of Vascular Calcification

Vascular calcification is associated with cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders hereditary conditions and renal dysfunction. Vascular calcification is also induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and oxidative stress caused by ROS, which are by-products of aerobic metabolism (Nowotny et al., 2015; Zhu et al., 2018). Excessive ROS production causes oxidative stress, which is heavily implicated in the initiation and progression of vascular calcification, notably during the osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs. Here we discuss the role of mitochondrial dysfunction as a cause of vascular calcification in different calcification pathologies and the key mechanisms potentially driving the calcification process.

Calcific Aortic Valve Disease

Calcific aortic valve disease starts with fibrotic thickening followed by extensive calcification of valve leaflets. This leads aortic stenosis and subsequent obstruction of left ventricular outflow. Currently, aortic valve replacement by surgery is the only available treatment for degenerative aortic stenosis.

Recent studies have revealed key evidence for a role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the onset and advancement of calcific aortic valve disease. Mitochondrial (mt) DNA haplogroup analysis in a cohort of aortic stenosis patients has revealed an increased presence of haplogroup H, suggesting haplogroup H as a risk factor in developing aortic stenosis (Serrano-Teruel et al., 2019). Indeed, mitochondrial haplogroup H is an established risk factor for diseases including ischemic cardiomyopathy and idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and is associated with increased oxygen consumption and electron transport chain-coupled ROS release (Fernandez-Caggiano et al., 2012, 2013).

Interestingly, increased accumulation of ROS in the form of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is reported in human stenotic aortic valves (Miller et al., 2008) and is implicated in the progression of calcific aortic valve disease (Liberman et al., 2008). Inversely, treating VSMCs with non-toxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induces calcification with a concomitant increase in osteogenic markers including TNAP, collagen type I alpha1 (Col Iα1), Runx2 and osteocalcin (Byon et al., 2008). However, shRNA -mediated silencing of Runx2 abrogates (H2O2) induced VSMC calcification, suggesting a pivotal role for Runx2 in regulating oxidative stress-mediated vascular calcification (Byon et al., 2008).

Importantly, a metabolic shift from fatty acid to glucose utilization is seen in patients with aortic stenosis. Cardiac biopsy samples taken from these patients during valve replacement surgery show a decrease in expression of proteins involved in fatty acid transport, β-oxidation, the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, with a concomitant upregulation of glycolysis mediators including GLUT1 and 4 proteins (Heather et al., 2011).

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of stroke, myocardial infarction and angina, whereby arteries become clogged with plaques rich in fat, cholesterol and Ca (Ross, 1999; Abedin et al., 2004). Vascular calcification, endothelial dysfunction, intimal thickening and inflammation are the main features of atherosclerosis (Abedin et al., 2004; Spagnoli et al., 2007; Tesauro et al., 2017). Mitochondrial dysfunction in terms of mtDNA damage, increased mitochondrial ROS production and dysfunctional oxidative phosphorylation are present in both human and mouse models of atherosclerosis (Ballinger et al., 2002). Mitochondrial dysfunction-induced apoptosis can lead to plaque rupture thus accelerating atherosclerotic lesion formation (Madamanchi and Runge, 2007).

Recent clinical studies have reported increased mtDNA damage in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from human atherosclerotic patients (Fetterman et al., 2016). The underpinning role of mtDNA damage in atherosclerosis has been interrogated in polymerase-γ proof reading deficient ApoE−/− mice (polG−/−/ApoE−/−) (Yu et al., 2013). These mice display defective exonuclease activity of mtDNA polymerase and thus accumulate mtDNA mutations and deletions, leading to mtDNA damage (Trifunovic et al., 2004). This study revealed that mtDNA damage fuels atherosclerosis and generates higher-risk plaques. VSMCs from polG−/−/ApoE−/− mice exhibited reduced ATP, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis and early senescence. Furthermore, monocytes from polG−/−/ApoE−/− mice showed increased release of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, indicating a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Future studies investigating the vascular calcification phenotype of polG−/−/ApoE−/− mice would be of great interest.

COMP, which has a role in maintaining VSMC mitochondrial homeostasis, prevents VSMC osteochondrogenic transdifferentiation by directly binding to BMP-2 (Du et al., 2011). Calcifying VSMCs and arteries show reduced expression of COMP. Over-expression of COMP ameliorates vascular calcification both in vivo and in vitro (Du et al., 2011). Conversely, ApoE−/− mice lacking COMP show an increase in size of atherosclerotic lesions in the brachiocephalic artery (Bond et al., 2014). Together these studies highlight COMP as an important regulator of vascular calcification and a novel target in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Extensively calcified aortic tissues and advanced atherosclerotic plaques in patients show an increased expression of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases (Yuan et al., 2019). Mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases generate ROS via the generation of mitochondrial bicarbonate necessary for oxidative glycolysis. Carbonic anhydrases catalyze the conversion of CO2 to HCO3 and H+ thus increasing cellular acidification (Swietach et al., 2010). This acidification can also precipitate calcium from calcium carbonate, a potential; driver of aortic calcification in CKD patients on calcium carbonate supplements (Phan et al., 2008). Blocking the activity of mitochondrial carbonic anhydrases with acetazolamide alleviates calcification in VSMCs along with the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines associated with atherosclerosis (Yuan et al., 2019). Acetazolamide exerts its effects through the prevention of mitochondrial membrane depolarization and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, thus reducing ROS (Yuan et al., 2019).

Type-II Diabetes

In type-II diabetic patients, medial calcification is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Compared with non-diabetic subjects, patients with diabetes show increased vascular calcification and upregulation of bone-related proteins, such as osteopontin, type I collagen, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and TNAP in the medial layer of the vessels (Yahagi et al., 2017). Hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance (the hallmarks of diabetes), play an active role in the progression of vascular calcification. Hyperglycemia induces vascular calcification through ROS and superoxide production, either from mitochondria or from alternative sources, such as NADPH oxidase (Nishikawa et al., 2000). Oxidative stress is an important driver of atherosclerotic calcification in diabetes in conjunction with additional factors including endothelial dysfunction, alterations in mineral metabolism, increased inflammatory cytokine production and formation of osteoprogenitor cells. Furthermore, the generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is accelerated in diabetic patients, leading to the subsequent enhancement of vascular calcification through receptor of AGEs (RAGE) (Wei et al., 2013). The role of AGEs in mitochondrial dysfunction is discussed in detail below.

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare premature aging disorder. A recent study investigated the mechanisms underpinning excessive vascular calcification in HGPS patients (Villa-Bellosta et al., 2013). Typically, these patients carry a non-inherited autosomal dominant de novo heterozygous mutation at codon 608 of the LMNA gene encoding prelamin A. This mutation leads to synthesis of progerin, a truncated version of the lamin A protein. The aorta and aortic valves of these patients showed excessive calcification (Nair et al., 2004; Salamat et al., 2010; Hanumanthappa et al., 2011). Using the LmnaG609G knock-in mouse model, which expresses the human HGPS mutation of progerin, it was shown that LmnaG609G/+ VSMCs exhibit reduced mitochondrial ATP production along with reduced function of cytochrome c oxidase (COX), a crucial component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (Villa-Bellosta et al., 2013). These VSMCs also demonstrate a diminished capacity to synthesize the calcification inhibitor PPi. As ATP is required for the generation of extracellular PPi by ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-1 (ENPP1), reduced ATP availability, due to the dysfunctional electron transport chain may play a direct role in progressing calcification in HGPS, and warrants future investigation.

Chronic Kidney Disease

CKD is a gradual loss of kidney function. The reduced kidney function in CKD patients is concomitant with an increase in vascular calcification, which is a significant contributor to cardiovascular mortality in these patients. The mechanisms which regulate calcification in the CKD vessels have yet to be fully elucidated. However, mitochondrial dysfunction is reported within various cells types and tissues during the progression of the disease. Increased oxidative stress is observed throughout the progression of CKD (Dounousi et al., 2006). Additionally, increased skeletal muscle dysfunction is reported in patients with CKD, mediated through decreased activity of mitochondrial TCA enzymes including citrate synthase and hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (Gamboa et al., 2016). An association between reduced mitochondria number and sarcopenia has also been noted in mouse models of CKD (Tamaki et al., 2014). Furthermore, skeletal muscle from ESRD patients show swollen mitochondria with increased levels of BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), an adaptor protein for damaged mitochondria, suggesting enhanced mitophagy. However, the lysosomes from these patients show increased accumulation of lipofuscin, which may reduce their capacity to degrade damaged mitochondria via mitophagy. In addition, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients show reduced mtDNA copy number and increased lactate accumulation (Gamboa et al., 2016). Taken together, these data show that mitochondrial dysfunction in CKD is prominent in skeletal muscle and PBMCs; however, this needs further investigation in the blood vessels of CKD patients. Interestingly, there is an in vivo evidence demonstrating that mitochondria-derived ROS contributes to microvascular dysfunction in CKD patients (Kirkman et al., 2018). In addition, oxidative stress induced vascular calcification and osteoblastic transition of VSMCs is reported in an adenine diet-based rat model mimicking human ESRD (Shobeiri et al., 2010; Yamada et al., 2012; Neven et al., 2015).

Advanced Glycation End Products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are post-translational modifications caused by the non-enzymatic binding of free reducing sugars and reactive carbonyls to proteins or lipids. AGEs are glycotoxins with pathological significance in diabetes, aging and several other chronic conditions (Uchiki et al., 2012; Roca et al., 2014). AGEs accumulate in the extracellular matrix and within the cells of the vessel wall, contributing to the development and progression of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of AGEs are typically seen in type-II diabetic patients with coronary heart disease, and in the macrophages and VSMCs from the atherosclerotic lesions (Kilhovd et al., 1999). AGE formation can cause a multitude of receptor-mediated and non-mediated harmful effects to accelerate the atherosclerotic process (Basta et al., 2004; Baumann, 2012). Many of these effects have a role in accelerating the vascular calcification process, including enhanced synthesis of extracellular matrix components leading to vascular stiffening (Sims et al., 1996), increased VSMC proliferation (Zhou et al., 2003) and fibronectin production (Sakata et al., 2000). AGEs and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) generate ROS from mitochondria in the form of free radicals such as superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ROS. Generation of ROS leads to a vicious cycle of further ROS production, dysfunctional mitochondria and more AGEs (Nowotny et al., 2015). Comparably, diabetic RAGE−/− mice are protected against excess generation of both mitochondrial and cytosolic superoxide (Tan et al., 2010).

Recently, it has been shown that advanced glycation products promote both calcification and osteogenic switching of VSMCs by hypoxia-inducible factor-1-alpha, (HIF-1α)/ pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, (PDK4) activation (Zhu et al., 2018). Both HIF-1α/PDK4 contribute toward the metabolic shift to glycolysis (Lambert et al., 2010; Jeong et al., 2012). Furthermore, AGEs downregulate p-AMPKα expression and upregulate p-mTOR expression, thus suppressing autophagy and accelerating the process of vascular calcification. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin reverses this effect and reduces osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs (Liu et al., 2020). It is interesting to speculate that blocking AGE associated autophagy could have an adverse effect on clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria by mitophagy, which can limit the production of ROS and perhaps progression of vascular calcification.

Reactive Oxygen Species

Osteochondrogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs is a key event during vascular calcification and elevated Pi is the most potent inducer of this transdifferentiation. Extracellular elevated Ca adds a synergistic effect to this phenotypic switching (Cui et al., 2017). In addition to Ca and Pi, there are several other known factors which contribute to this transdifferentiation, including bone morphogenetic factors, elevated glucose and AGEs, dexamethasone, vitamin D3, cytokines, oxidized low density lipoproteins and hypoxia (Tintut et al., 2000; Dorai and Sampath, 2001; Razzaque, 2011; Taylor et al., 2011; Alves et al., 2014; Bessueille et al., 2015; Ceneri et al., 2017; Bao et al., 2020; Lim et al., 2020). More recently, the role of ROS as a mediator of osteochondrogenic transdifferentiation has been recognized (Liberman et al., 2008; Zhao et al., 2011; Byon et al., 2016). Using an organic compound rose bengal to generate free radicals such as singlet oxygen and superoxide anions in rats, Minol et al. demonstrated that ROS induced oxidative stress is a trigger for smooth muscle cell migration, transdifferentiation and vascular calcification in atherosclerotic-like focal vascular degeneration (Minol et al., 2017). Furthermore, hypoxia, which is commonly seen in calcifying tissues, elevates mitochondrial ROS formation and osteogenic transdifferentiation in VSMCs (Chandel et al., 2000). Hypoxic ROS generation is dependent on mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes II and III (Chandel et al., 2000; Paddenberg et al., 2003). Studies have suggested an important role for mitochondrial ROS in the stabilization of HIF1-α, the key regulator of cellular and systemic responses to hypoxia (Sato et al., 2005; Hamanaka and Chandel, 2009). Indeed, this effect of mitochondrial ROS is reversed by N-acetyl cysteine, a ROS scavenger, which downregulates the expression of HIF-1α, RUNX2 and osteocalcin proteins and inhibits extracellular matrix calcification (Escobales et al., 2014).

Vascular Aging

Cardiovascular diseases are more prevalent in the aged compared to the younger population, with aging being a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Furthermore, vascular calcification is a hallmark of age-associated vascular stiffness. Some of the key changes seen in aging cells include decline in the function of mitochondrial ETC function, enhanced oxidative stress and increased senescence (Beckman and Ames, 1998; Feng et al., 2001; Van Deursen, 2014). It is likely that oxidative stress and ROS is central to how aging and vascular calcification connect with each other. Perhaps, HGPS patients with accelerated aging, elevated ROS, early atherosclerosis and vascular calcification represent this connection. Indeed, prelamin A has emerged as a novel biomarker of vascular aging (Ragnauth et al., 2010), whereby accumulation of this molecule induces oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and premature cell senescence (Sieprath et al., 2015). Prelamin A accumulates not only in the blood vessels of older individuals but also in the blood vessels of young CKD patients on dialysis, where it colocalises with senescent and calcifying VSMCs (Olive et al., 2010; Ragnauth et al., 2010; Liu et al., 2013).

Mitochondrial dysfunction, increased ROS generation, increased mtDNA mutation, altered mitochondria fission and fusion processes and decreased ATP production are mutual to both aging and calcifying cells in the vessel walls (Chistiakov et al., 2014; Sobenin et al., 2015). Moreover, aging vascular cells show reduced expression of antioxidant genes such as mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 (Collins et al., 2009). Superoxide dismutase 2 binds to oxidative byproducts of oxidative phosphorylation and plays a crucial role in the defense against ROS (Collins et al., 2009; Van Raamsdonk and Hekimi, 2012). Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic reduces ROS production and mitigates aortic stiffness and fibrosis in a diabetes mellitus mouse model (db/db) (Raaz et al., 2015). It also down-regulates Runx2 expression (Raaz et al., 2015) a key positive regulator of vascular calcification. Moreover, diabetes-accelerated calcification is prevented in rats by the antioxidant apocyanin (Brodeur et al., 2014). Use of antioxidant therapy in attenuating the progression of vascular calcification and vascular aging has been successful in animal models; however, the results are less convincing in humans (Fusco et al., 2007; Conti et al., 2016; Rossman et al., 2018). Interestingly, there is increasing evidence suggesting that ROS is only a part of the multifaceted signaling mechanism which works during aging (Doonan et al., 2008; Cabreiro et al., 2011) and warrants further investigation in understanding the progression of vascular calcification.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Consequence of Vascular Calcification

Over recent years, several studies have clearly demonstrated that VSMCs undergo calcification in response to changes in extracellular Ca and Pi concentrations. Furthermore, it has been established that elevated Ca is a more potent stimulus to induce calcification than elevated Pi, suggesting Ca as a key mediator of VSMC damage and calcification in pathologies including CKD and ESRD (Deluca and Engstrom, 1961; Kowaltowski et al., 1996; Brookes et al., 2004; Oliveira and Kowaltowski, 2004). Patients with ESRD show high circulating Ca and Pi products and develop extensive vascular calcification. Persistent Ca overload induces mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (Lemasters et al., 2009), which prompts mitochondrial release of Ca and ROS into the cytosol, which, in turn, compromises mitochondrial function. However, the mechanism underpinning the transportation of Ca and Pi inside the mitochondrial matrix and cytosol of calcifying cells remain poorly defined. Here we discuss the actions of Ca and Pi both individually and synergistically as a cause of mitochondrial dysfunction during vascular calcification.

Calcium and Phosphate Overload

A number of clinical studies in ESRD patients have shown an association between elevated serum Ca and Pi levels, increased risk of myocardial infraction and vascular calcification (Blacher et al., 2001; Goodman, 2001; Yamada et al., 2007). Although, the enrichment of Ca crystals within the mitochondrial matrix during the in vitro vascular calcification process has been extensively reported (Gonzales and Karnovsky, 1961; Martin and Matthews, 1970; Sutfin et al., 1971; Kristian et al., 2007; Shroff et al., 2010; Boonrungsiman et al., 2012). Albeit, it remains to be investigated whether ESRD patients have elevated cytoplasmic or mitochondrial Ca or Pi levels. Potentially during vascular calcification, diffusion of Ca into the mitochondrial matrix could be a cellular survival mechanism required for prevention of Ca burden in the cytoplasm strewn from the CaPi-enriched extracellular surroundings. However, prolonged mitochondrial Ca overload is the ultimate trigger to initiate apoptosis through MPTP openings, both of which are observed during late stages of vascular calcification (Zhu et al., 2019; Chen et al., 2020).

VSMCs calcified under high Pi conditions in vitro show cytosolic release of cytochrome C, increased caspase 9 and caspase 3 activity, and apoptosis (Kim et al., 2012; Chang et al., 2017). In vitro experiments from our laboratory have shown that VSMCs cultured in high Pi medium show increased expression of glycolytic enzymes including glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), hexokinase 1 (Hex1), and Pdk4 (Rashdan et al., 2020). This increase is associated with reduction of ATP-linked respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and maximal respiration in VSMCs (Rashdan et al., 2020), suggesting that Pi overload can block mitochondrial respiration and force the calcifying VSMCs into glycolysis for energy needs. Mitochondria isolated from rat brain, liver and heart following exposure to high concentrations of Pi, show increased ROS production (Oliveira and Kowaltowski, 2004). These mitochondria display a reduced mitochondrial matrix pH and altered mitochondrial membrane potential (Oliveira and Kowaltowski, 2004). It has been shown that Pi is capable of entering the mitochondrial matrix through a Pi/OH exchanger and buffering intramitochondrial pH (Kaplan et al., 1986). Increased ROS production is also observed in calcifying aorta of CKD rats fed on a diet rich in Pi, Ca, and vitamin D (Agharazii et al., 2015). These studies suggest that high concentrations of Pi is capable of generating ROS, however, the presence of Ca and Pi together can amplify ROS generation, causing irreversible mitochondrial damage (Kowaltowski et al., 1996). Similarly, Ca and Pi synergistically have a more detrimental effect on mitochondrial function. For example, the opening of MPTPs in the presence of excess Ca becomes an irreversible process in the presence of increased Pi (Kowaltowski et al., 1996). Moreover, a recent study in cardiac mitochondria has revealed that its the CaPi precipitates rather than Ca overload which inhibits complex I activity and oxidative phosphorylation, and the associated reduction in ATP synthesis (Malyala et al., 2019). Together, these studies suggest that elevated levels of Ca and Pi together may play a crucial role in inducing mitochondrial damage during the calcification process. We therefore hypothesize that Ca and Pi overload is a critical trigger for mitochondrial damage and elevated ROS in patients with vascular calcification pathologies.

Mitochondrial Quality Control in Vascular Calcification

To maintain mitochondrial homeostasis a healthy cell needs to remove damaged mtDNA and the dysfunctional depolarised mitochondria. The cell carries out this function by “mitophagy,” a selective form of autophagy, which degrades these superfluous and damaged mitochondria and its components. However, the role of autophagy and mitophagy in vascular calcification has yet to be fully understood. Detailed reviews on autophagy and mitophagy can be found elsewhere (Montava-Garriga and Ganley, 2020; Nishimura and Tooze, 2020; Yim and Mizushima, 2020). Here we discuss the role of these processes in mitochondrial quality control during vascular calcification.

Autophagy in Mitochondrial Quality Control

Macroautophagy (autophagy) is the process of removal of unwanted cellular cytoplasmic contents via double membraned autophagosomes. This unwanted cytoplasmic content is passed over to the lysosome for degradation and further recycling. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of autophagy in protection against vascular calcification (Dai et al., 2013; Shanahan, 2013; Peng et al., 2017; Frauscher et al., 2018; Phadwal et al., 2020). Furthermore, the role of autophagy in mitochondrial quality control in VSMCs, specifically in atherosclerotic plaque development, has been recently investigated through VSMC-specific deletion of the essential autophagy gene Atg7 in the Atg7F/F Tagln-Cre+ mouse crossed with the ApoE−/− mouse model of atherosclerosis (Nahapetyan et al., 2019). For the first time, this mouse model allowed interrogation of the consequences of defective autophagy in the advancement of atherosclerosis. Atg7 is an E1-like activating enzyme, which facilitates autophagosome formation and expansion. The Atg7F/F Tagln-Cre+, ApoE−/− mouse showed significantly increased atherosclerotic lesions with increased macrophage number and apoptosis. Moreover, Atg7-deficient VSMCs from these mice revealed excessive mitochondrial superoxide sensor reactivity. Mitochondria from these transgenic VSMCs also demonstrated low mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, clusters of fragmented mitochondria were seen present in the close proximity of the nucleus. These mitochondria also showed reduced respiratory reserve capacity indicating dysfunctional mitochondria and impaired clearance (Nahapetyan et al., 2019). Furthermore, these VSMCs show an accumulation of p62/SQSTM1, PINK1 and Parkin, indicating impaired mitophagy, a process of selective degradation of mitochondria via autophagy. This study therefore suggests that defective autophagy processes in VSMCs result in dysfunctional mitochondria and contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. Similarly, a recent study has demonstrated that autophagy provides protection against Pi-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney proximal tubular cells (PTECs) (Fujimura et al., 2020). Furthermore, proximal tubule-specific autophagy-deficient mice (Atg5F/F: kidney androgen-regulated protein mice) fed on a Pi-enriched diet show reduced mitochondrial respiration and increased oxidative stress, with aggregates of fragmented and swollen mitochondria observed in the cytoplasm, suggesting that damaged mitochondria are not cleared in this mouse model (Fujimura et al., 2020).

Autophagy declines with aging, and conversely enhancing autophagy has been shown to improve lifespan in yeast, mice, drosophila and C elegans (Hansen et al., 2018). Furthermore, a strong link between energy metabolism, autophagy induction and aging has been established. During cellular aging, energy metabolism controls autophagic activity via acetyl-CoA (Eisenberg et al., 2014; Marino et al., 2014). Acetyl-CoA works as a sentinel metabolite in metabolic regulation. High nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA amounts are seen during a “nutrient rich” state, which leads to its utilization for lipid synthesis and histone acetylation. However, during “nutrient depletion,” which also induces autophagy, acetyl-CoA moves toward the mitochondria for synthesis of ATP and ketone bodies (Eisenberg et al., 2014; Shi and Tu, 2015). This shuttling of acetyl-CoA between nucleocytosolic and mitochondrial compartments holds the key to adapt under metabolic stress. Knockdown of nucleocytosolic acyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACS2) leads to a strong induction of autophagy in chronologically aging yeast, however the loss of pathways for synthesis of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA blocks the autophagic flux, suggesting that mitochondrial acetyl-CoA is crucial for survival during aging. High fat diet is a risk factor for vascular calcification. Interestingly, suppression of either acetyl-CoA carboxylase or acyl-CoA synthetase blocks mineralization in vascular cells (Ting et al., 2011). Acetyl-CoA carboxylase plays a key role in fatty acid synthesis via nucleocytosolic acetyl-coenzyme (Pietrocola et al., 2015). Although the link between suppression of nucleocytosolic acetyl-CoA, autophagy induction and vascular calcification remains to be established in vascular cells, it can be speculated that induced autophagy will have a crucial role in suppressing high fat diet-induced vascular calcification and lipotoxicity (Nicoll et al., 2015).

Furthermore, calcifying VSMCs and calcified vessels of patients with atherosclerosis show increased expression of PDK4 and phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (Lee et al., 2015). Phosphate dehydrogenase complex is a mitochondrial enzyme complex that regulates the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, whereas PDK4 inhibits this complex by phosphorylating one of its subunits. Under normoxic conditions, pyruvate produced by glycolysis is transported into the mitochondria and converted into acetyl-CoA by pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (Martinez-Reyes and Chandel, 2020). Acetyl-CoA then enters the TCA cycle. However, under hypoxic conditions, inhibition of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex prevents the conversion of pyruvate into acetyl-CoA, leading to decreased TCA cycle activity in the mitochondria and increased conversion of pyruvate into lactate in the cytosol also known as the Warburg effect (Eyassu and Angione, 2017). As discussed above, this metabolic shift is seen in both the calcified vessels of atherosclerotic patients (Lee et al., 2015) and calcified transdifferentiated VSMCs cultured under high Pi conditions (Rashdan et al., 2020). Recently, it has been demonstrated that PDK4 drives the metabolic reprogramming of VSMCs toward a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid generation in the cytosol (Ma et al., 2020). Inhibition of PDK4 abrogates VSMCs calcification by inducing lysosomal function and autophagy (Ma et al., 2020). In conclusion, enhancing autophagy in vascular calcification pathologies may have a multitude of additional effects including inhibiting the Warburg effect, suppressing saturated fatty acid–induced vascular calcification and aiding cellular survival by clearing away the damaged mitochondria via mitophagy.

Mitophagy in Mitochondrial Quality Control

Under steady state conditions, dysfunctional mitochondria are identified by the upregulation of PINK1, which recruits Parkin, a cytosolic E3 ubiquitin ligase onto the depolarised outer mitochondrial membrane (Aguirre et al., 2017). Further to this, PINK1 and Parkin activate ubiquitin and poly-ubiquitin chains on the depolarised mitochondria, thus triggering their recognition by autophagy adaptors and receptors including p62/SQSTM1 and LC3 (Light chain 3), or the proteasome for degradation (Sarraf et al., 2013). Several outer mitochondrial membrane proteins such as BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), FUN14 domain- containing protein 1 (FUNDC1), and NIP3-like protein X (NIX), function as mitophagy receptors by regulating damaged mitochondrial degradation in response to various stimuli. For example, under hypoxia, BNIP3-induced mitophagy is upregulated in VSMCs following lactate-induced calcification (Zhang et al., 2008; Zhu et al., 2019). Furthermore, BNIP3-induced DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission is required for mitophagy (Lee et al., 2011). This unique process of removing damaged depolarised mitochondria is a crucial safeguard mechanism and an adaptive metabolic response against accumulation of mtDNA damage, ROS and cell death and is perhaps functional during vascular calcification. Depolarised mitochondria (Elmore et al., 2001) and oxidative stress are also known triggers for mitophagy (Frank et al., 2012). Whilst there is no direct evidence to show that mitophagy is upregulated during vascular calcification, it can be speculated that Ca overload during vascular calcification may trigger a mitophagy response.

A recent study in neuronal cells has shown that Ca binding controls mitochondrial motility on microtubules via mitochondrial Rho-GTPase (RHOT1) (Saotome et al., 2008). Under steady state conditions, RHOT1 mediates mitochondrial movement on microtubules promoting mitochondrial fusion. During Ca overload, RHOT1-mediated motility is blocked, which induces mitochondrial fission via Dynamin 1 Like protein (DNM1L) (Saotome et al., 2008). This important research therefore suggests that triggering mitochondrial fission via Ca overload is required for mitophagy.

Interestingly, pharmaceutical attenuation of vascular calcification by melatonin is attributed to reduced mitochondrial fission, increased mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy (Chen et al., 2020). Furthermore, melatonin increases LC3 and Parkin expression both in high fat diet-treated ApoE−/− mice and in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-treated macrophage cells, suggesting activation of mitophagy (Ma et al., 2018). Melatonin treatment also inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) treated macrophages via activation of mitophagy (Ma et al., 2018).

Conversely, knock down of PINK1 in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) results in impaired osteogenesis (Pei et al, 2018). Possibly, mitophagy is underpinning dual roles within VSMCs by (i) contributing to bone formation via exocytosis of Ca and Pi-filled mitochondrial-derived vesicles packed in autolysosomes to the extracellular matrix and (ii) clearing dysfunctional mitochondria within calcified VSMCs. Further studies employing ApoE−/− mice deficient in PINK1 would allow investigation of the direct role of mitophagy in the development of vascular calcification and atherosclerosis.

Mitochondria and Cell Senescence in Vascular Calcification

Cellular senescence along with dysfunctional mitochondria are hallmarks of aging. Senescence of endothelial cells and VSMCs is a common feature of atherosclerotic arteries (Minamino et al., 2002) and ESRD vessels. Vessels from children with ESRD show increased oxidative DNA damage and increased expression of senescence markers p16 and p21. VSMCs isolated from these vessels show accelerated senescence with increased expression of osteogenic markers and calcification, with a concomitant increase in levels of the circulating osteogenic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) (Sanchis et al., 2019). Furthermore, human VSMCs cultured in the presence of matrix vesicles isolated from senescent endothelial HUVECs show enhanced calcification (Alique et al., 2017). These matrix vesicles were shown to be enriched with Ca and pro-calcification proteins including annexins A2 and A6 and BMP2 when compared to matrix vesicles from young HUVEC cells (Alique et al., 2017). In a similar study, mitochondrial versican-enriched exosomes from hyperglycemia-stimulated vascular endothelial cells were able to induce calcification and senescence in VSMCs cultured under high glucose conditions (Li et al., 2019), further suggesting a link between vascular calcification and senescence.

Inflammation is a common occurrence in atherosclerotic plaque calcification. Inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) are known inducers of VSMC phenotype switching and calcification (Tintut et al., 2000; Ceneri et al., 2017). Interestingly, a 2020 study has revealed that calcified VSMCs from ESRD patients show upregulation of IL-1β, activation of senescence (p21) and elevated osteogenic markers such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) (Han et al., 2020). Using human VSMCs, the authors further demonstrated that IL-1β-induced senescence is required for osteoblastic transdifferentiation in VSMCs. In addition, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) along with the DNA damage response dependent VSMC calcification is triggered by prelamin A in VSMCs isolated from human aorta (Liu et al., 2013). Prelamin A (implicated in HGPS) also induces mitochondrial dysfunction via elevation of ROS in human fibroblasts (Sieprath et al., 2015). However, mitochondrial function was not assessed in the VSMCs in these studies.

Together these experiments provide exciting evidence that the process of vascular calcification is able to induce cellular senescence and vice versa. However, it is not yet known if dysfunctional mitochondria are the drivers of VSMC senescence during the calcification process. Dysregulated mitochondrial Ca homeostasis, altered mitochondrial membrane potential, defective oxidative phosphorylation, reduced ATP generation and increased mitochondrial ROS are the key mitochondrial changes seen in senescent cells. Importantly, implementation of the cellular senescence programme specifically requires oxidative phosphorylation, highlighting mitochondria as the key drivers of senescence (Kaplon et al., 2013; Herranz and Gil, 2016). It has been shown that the use of senolytic compounds such as mitocans that target cells with increased mitochondrial potential selectively kills senescent cells by altering their oxidative phosphorylation levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (Hubackova et al., 2019). Furthermore, elamipretide, a mitochondria-targeted peptide, can partly alleviate kidney cellular senescence in porcine atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis by alleviating oxidative stress, and restoring mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy (Kim et al., 2019).

Recent elegant studies in fibroblasts have demonstrated that mitochondria underpin pro-aging characteristics of the senescent phenotype (Correia-Melo et al., 2016). Cellular senescence features including up-regulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), p21 and P16, are observed in a novel parkin-mediated mitochondrial clearance model (Narendra et al., 2008). Comparable studies in VSMCs would greatly advance our understanding of the role of mitochondria-derived cellular senescence in vascular calcification.

Key Mitochondrial Targets in Vascular Calcification

Current literature suggests that ROS is central to mitochondrial dysfunction during the progression of vascular calcification. Several natural dietary, natural non-dietary and synthetic antioxidant compounds, which can scavenge ROS, are being tested for therapeutic efficacy against vascular calcification in clinical trials (Roman-Garcia et al., 2011; Kim et al., 2012; Chang et al., 2017; Chao et al., 2019).

ROS generation is tightly coupled to mitochondrial ultrastructure changes of fusion and fission. Mitochondrial fusion/fission is linked with several physiological indicators of mitochondrial dysfunction, including loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic shift toward glycolysis, and accelerated mitochondrial ROS. Drp1 is a key regulator of mitochondrial fission (Twig et al., 2008), and is seen enriched in calcified regions of human carotid arteries (Rogers et al., 2017). In vitro studies suggest that DRP1 inhibition can attenuate mitochondrial damage both in calcifying VSMCs and in valve interstitial cells, concomitantly reducing vascular calcification (Rogers et al., 2017). Moreover, compounds such as metformin and melatonin abrogate vascular calcification by inhibiting DRP1-induced mitochondrial fission (Rogers et al., 2017; Chen et al., 2020). Metformin also suppresses diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis via the inhibition of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission (Wang et al., 2017). It is interesting to speculate a three-way effect of metformin on mitochondrial function in diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis, (1) by inhibiting redox shuttle enzyme mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase and thus blocking glucose generation by gluconeogenesis, (2) by attenuating mitochondrial ROS generation by inhibiting mitochondrial complex I, and (3) by inhibition of DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission (Madiraju et al., 2014; Hur and Lee, 2015).

Inhibition of DRP-1 mediated mitochondrial fission also prevents MPTP opening and cell death in HL-1 cells, a cardiac-derived cell line (Ong et al., 2010). Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1), a quinazonilone derivative and a DRP1 inhibitor, is able to attenuate oxidative stress-mediated calcification of murine VSMCs by reducing TNAP expression and calcified collagenous matrix production (Rogers et al., 2017). We hypothesize that DRP1 is a key regulator of mitochondrial damage in vascular calcification and underlying pathologies. We further hypothesize that ROS generated during calcifciation process leads to post-translational modifications of DRP1, which may hold the key to its regulation in vascular calcification pathologies. Indeed, several such post-translational modifications of DRP1 has been reported in various cell types. For example, DRP1 acetylation and s-nitrosylation enhances mitochondrial fragmentation in cardiomyocytes and neurons respectively, whereas oxidoreduction of Drp1 protects against mitochondrial fission and ROS generation in endothelial cells (Cho et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2018; Hu et al., 2020).

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a crucial regulator of vascular calcification. Increase in ROS levels stabilize and activate HIF-1α, which triggers VSMC transdifferentiation and calcification (Patten et al., 2010; Mokas et al., 2016). Osteocalcin, a bone derived hormone promotes phenotype switching in VSMCs and enhances their glucose metabolism and calcification through a HIF-1α-dependent mechanism (Idelevich et al., 2011). Furthermore, an increased nuclear staining for HIF-1α is observed in a CKD rat model (CKD induced by renal mass reduction) fed on a Ca and Pi-enriched diet (Mokas et al., 2016). Increased HIF-1α expression is accompanied by increased expression of HIF-1 regulated genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and GLUT-1, and reduced expression of VSMC specific markers including actin alpha 2 (ACTA2), Calponin 1 (CNN1), Smooth Muscle Protein 22 (SM22), and myosin heavy chain 11 (MYH11), triggering VSMC transdifferentiation. Furthermore, in calcified VSMCs, elevated Pi levels activate and stabilize HIF-1 independently of oxygen levels by targeting its oxygen-dependent degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system (Mokas et al., 2016). Exposure of these VSMCs to a mitochondrial targeted antioxidant (SkQ1) and a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor (stigmatellin) blocks this Pi-induced HIF-1 upregulation and calcification (Mokas et al., 2016); suggesting mitochondrial ROS is required for HIF-1 stabilization in Pi-treated VSMCs.

In conclusion, mitochondrial ROS, DRP1, and HIF-1 are highly attractive markers for vascular calcification pathology and offer novel therapeutic targets to improve mitochondrial function during vascular calcification. Furthermore, targeting inhibitors including Fetuin-A, (to reduce Ca Pi precipitation) and, ENPP1, (to reduce Pi overload) could provide an upstream approach to restoring mitochondrial homeostasis in vascular calcification.

Concluding Remarks

This is a renaissance period for mitochondrial research in vascular calcification. Mitochondrial dysfunction seen in vascular calcification pathologies is strongly associated with mineral dysregulation, ROS generation, phenotypic switching of VSMCs and metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. It would be beneficial to investigate the sequence of mitochondrial dysfunction in a spatiotemporal manner in vascular calcification models.

Whilst Ca and Pi overload during vascular calcification is a likely cause of mitochondrial dysfunction, the mechanisms of Ca and Pi transport to the mitochondrial matrix from the extracellular matrix remain elusive. Moreover, investigating mitochondrial dysfunction during the progression of vascular calcification in mouse models lacking key calcification regulators e.g., Runx2 (Lin et al., 2015) and Enpp1 (Li et al., 2013; Huesa et al., 2015) will further define the mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction during this process. Additionally, the employment of fluorescent tags fused to mitochondria such as mitoQC (McWilliams et al., 2016), Keima (Sun et al., 2015) or mitotimer (Hernandez et al., 2013) in vascular calcification murine models including mice with ApoE ablation or CKD induction will allow the investigation of mitochondrial architecture, biogenesis and turnover via mitophagy during the progression of calcification.

In conclusion, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial to protect cells against vascular calcification. Future therapeutic strategies targeted toward molecular regulation of mitochondrial ROS, DRP-1 and HIF-1 could be successful tools in the prevention of vascular calcification pathology and warrant further investigation.

Author Contributions

All authors listed have made a substantial, direct and intellectual contribution to the work, and approved it for publication.

Funding

KP and VM are supported by funding from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in the form of an Institute Strategic Programme Grant (BB/J004316/1). CV and IG are funded by a grant from the Medical Research Council, UK (IGG; MC_UU_00018/2).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Acknowledgments

Some parts of Figure 1 were created with BioRender.com.

Abbreviations

VSMCs, Vascular smooth muscle cells; ROS, Reactive oxygen species; ATP, Adenosine triphosphate; Ca, calcium; Pi, phosphate; CKD, Chronic kidney disease; ESRD, end stage renal disease; TCA, Tricarboxylic acid cycle; TNAP, tissue-non-specific alkaline phosphatase; Runx2, runt-related transcription factor 2; PPi, inorganic pyrophosphate; Drp1, dynamin-related protein 1; HIF-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1; AGEs, Advanced glycation end products; COMP, Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein.

References

Abedin, M., Tintut, Y., and Demer, L. L. (2004). Vascular calcification: mechanisms and clinical ramifications. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 24, 1161–1170. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.0000133194.94939.42

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Addison, W. N., Azari, F., Sorensen, E. S., Kaartinen, M. T., and Mckee, M. D. (2007). Pyrophosphate inhibits mineralization of osteoblast cultures by binding to mineral, up-regulating osteopontin, and inhibiting alkaline phosphatase activity. J. Biol. Chem. 282, 15872–15883. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M701116200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Adeva-Andany, M. M., Fernandez-Fernandez, C., Sanchez-Bello, R., Donapetry-Garcia, C., and Martinez-Rodriguez, J. (2015). The role of carbonic anhydrase in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in humans. Atherosclerosis 241, 183–191. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.05.012

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Agharazii, M., St-Louis, R., Gautier-Bastien, A., Ung, R. V., Mokas, S., Lariviere, R., et al. (2015). Inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species as mediators of chronic kidney disease-related vascular calcification. Am. J. Hypertens. 28, 746–755. doi: 10.1093/ajh/hpu225

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Aguirre, J. D., Dunkerley, K. M., Mercier, P., and Shaw, G. S. (2017). Structure of phosphorylated UBL domain and insights into PINK1-orchestrated parkin activation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 114, 298–303. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1613040114

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Alique, M., Ruiz-Torres, M. P., Bodega, G., Noci, M. V., Troyano, N., Bohorquez, L., et al. (2017). Microvesicles from the plasma of elderly subjects and from senescent endothelial cells promote vascular calcification. Aging (Albany. NY) 9, 778–789. doi: 10.18632/aging.101191

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Alves, R. D., Eijken, M., Van De Peppel, J., and Van Leeuwen, J. P. (2014). Calcifying vascular smooth muscle cells and osteoblasts: independent cell types exhibiting extracellular matrix and biomineralization-related mimicries. BMC Genomics 15:965. doi: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-965

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Andrade, M. C., Carmo, L. S., Farias-Silva, E., and Liberman, M. (2017). Msx2 is required for vascular smooth muscle cells osteoblastic differentiation but not calcification in insulin-resistant ob/ob mice. Atherosclerosis 265, 14–21. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2017.07.028

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Back, M., Aranyi, T., Cancela, M. L., Carracedo, M., Conceicao, N., Leftheriotis, G., et al. (2018). Endogenous calcification inhibitors in the prevention of vascular calcification: a consensus statement from the COST action EuroSoftCalcNet. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 5:196. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00196

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bakhshian Nik, A., Hutcheson, J. D., and Aikawa, E. (2017). Extracellular vesicles as mediators of cardiovascular calcification. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 4:78. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00078

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ballinger, S. W., Patterson, C., Knight-Lozano, C. A., Burow, D. L., Conklin, C. A., Hu, Z., et al. (2002). Mitochondrial integrity and function in atherogenesis. Circulation 106, 544–549. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000023921.93743.89

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bao, Z., Li, L., Geng, Y., Yan, J., Dai, Z., Shao, C., et al. (2020). Advanced glycation end products induce vascular smooth muscle cell-derived foam cell formation and transdifferentiate to a macrophage-like state. Mediators Inflamm. 2020:6850187. doi: 10.1155/2020/6850187

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Barros, N. M., Hoac, B., Neves, R. L., Addison, W. N., Assis, D. M., Murshed, M., et al. (2013). Proteolytic processing of osteopontin by PHEX and accumulation of osteopontin fragments in Hyp mouse bone, the murine model of X-linked hypophosphatemia. J. Bone Miner. Res. 28, 688–699. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.1766

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bartolak-Suki, E., and Suki, B. (2020). Tuning mitochondrial structure and function to criticality by fluctuation-driven mechanotransduction. Sci. Rep. 10:407. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-57301-1

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Basta, G., Schmidt, A. M., and De Caterina, R. (2004). Advanced glycation end products and vascular inflammation: implications for accelerated atherosclerosis in diabetes. Cardiovasc. Res. 63, 582–592. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2004.05.001

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Baumann, M. (2012). Role of advanced glycation end products in hypertension and cardiovascular risk: human studies. J. Am. Soc. Hypertens. 6, 427–435. doi: 10.1016/j.jash.2012.10.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Beckman, K. B., and Ames, B. N. (1998). The free radical theory of aging matures. Physiol. Rev. 78, 547–581. doi: 10.1152/physrev.1998.78.2.547

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bertazzo, S., Gentleman, E., Cloyd, K. L., Chester, A. H., Yacoub, M. H., and Stevens, M. M. (2013). Nano-analytical electron microscopy reveals fundamental insights into human cardiovascular tissue calcification. Nat. Mater. 12, 576–583. doi: 10.1038/nmat3627

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bessueille, L., Fakhry, M., Hamade, E., Badran, B., and Magne, D. (2015). Glucose stimulates chondrocyte differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells and calcification: a possible role for IL-1beta. FEBS Lett. 589, 2797–2804. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.07.045

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Blacher, J., Guerin, A. P., Pannier, B., Marchais, S. J., and London, G. M. (2001). Arterial calcifications, arterial stiffness, and cardiovascular risk in end-stage renal disease. Hypertension 38, 938–942. doi: 10.1161/hy1001.096358

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Black, A. S., and Kanat, I. O. (1985). A review of soft tissue calcifications. J. Foot Surg. 24, 243–250.

Google Scholar

Bogenhagen, D. F., Wang, Y., Shen, E. L., and Kobayashi, R. (2003). Protein components of mitochondrial DNA nucleoids in higher eukaryotes. Mol. Cell. Proteomics 2, 1205–1216. doi: 10.1074/mcp.M300035-MCP200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Bond, A. R., Hultgardh-Nilsson, A., Knutsson, A., Jackson, C. L., and Rauch, U. (2014). Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in murine brachiocephalic and carotid atherosclerotic lesions. Atherosclerosis 236, 366–372. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.07.029

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Boonrungsiman, S., Gentleman, E., Carzaniga, R., Evans, N. D., Mccomb, D. W., Porter, A. E., et al. (2012). The role of intracellular calcium phosphate in osteoblast-mediated bone apatite formation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 109, 14170–14175. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1208916109

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Booth, A. L., Li, C. Q., Al-Dossari, G. A., and Stevenson, H. L. (2017). Abundant dystrophic calcifications mimicking aortic valve abscess in a patient undergoing elective aortic valve replacement. BMJ Case Rep. 2017:220368. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220368

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Brodeur, M. R., Bouvet, C., Bouchard, S., Moreau, S., Leblond, J., Deblois, D., et al. (2014). Reduction of advanced-glycation end products levels and inhibition of RAGE signaling decreases rat vascular calcification induced by diabetes. PLoS ONE 9:e85922. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085922

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Brookes, P. S., Yoon, Y., Robotham, J. L., Anders, M. W., and Sheu, S. S. (2004). Calcium, ATP, and ROS: a mitochondrial love-hate triangle. Am. J. Physiol. Cell Physiol. 287, C817–833. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00139.2004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Buchet, R., Pikula, S., Magne, D., and Mebarek, S. (2013). Isolation and characteristics of matrix vesicles. Methods Mol. Biol. 1053, 115–124. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-562-0_7

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Byon, C. H., Heath, J. M., and Chen, Y. (2016). Redox signaling in cardiovascular pathophysiology: a focus on hydrogen peroxide and vascular smooth muscle cells. Redox. Biol. 9, 244–253. doi: 10.1016/j.redox.2016.08.015

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Byon, C. H., Javed, A., Dai, Q., Kappes, J. C., Clemens, T. L., Darley-Usmar, V. M., et al. (2008). Oxidative stress induces vascular calcification through modulation of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2 by AKT signaling. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 15319–15327. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M800021200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cabreiro, F., Ackerman, D., Doonan, R., Araiz, C., Back, P., Papp, D., et al. (2011). Increased life span from overexpression of superoxide dismutase in Caenorhabditis elegans is not caused by decreased oxidative damage. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 51, 1575–1582. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.07.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ceneri, N., Zhao, L., Young, B. D., Healy, A., Coskun, S., Vasavada, H., et al. (2017). Rac2 modulates atherosclerotic calcification by regulating macrophage interleukin-1beta production. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 37, 328–340. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.116.308507

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chandel, N. S., Mcclintock, D. S., Feliciano, C. E., Wood, T. M., Melendez, J. A., Rodriguez, A. M., et al. (2000). Reactive oxygen species generated at mitochondrial complex III stabilize hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha during hypoxia: a mechanism of O2 sensing. J. Biol. Chem. 275, 25130–25138. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M001914200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chang, X. Y., Cui, L., Wang, X. Z., Zhang, L., Zhu, D., Zhou, X. R., et al. (2017). Quercetin attenuates vascular calcification through suppressed oxidative stress in adenine-induced chronic renal failure rats. Biomed Res. Int. 2017:5716204. doi: 10.1155/2017/5716204

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chao, C. T., Yeh, H. Y., Tsai, Y. T., Chuang, P. H., Yuan, T. H., Huang, J. W., et al. (2019). Natural and non-natural antioxidative compounds: potential candidates for treatment of vascular calcification. Cell Death Discov. 5:145. doi: 10.1038/s41420-019-0225-z

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, H., Detmer, S. A., Ewald, A. J., Griffin, E. E., Fraser, S. E., and Chan, D. C. (2003). Mitofusins Mfn1 and Mfn2 coordinately regulate mitochondrial fusion and are essential for embryonic development. J. Cell Biol. 160, 189–200. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200211046

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, N. X., Kircelli, F., O'neill, K. D., Chen, X., and Moe, S. M. (2010). Verapamil inhibits calcification and matrix vesicle activity of bovine vascular smooth muscle cells. Kidney Int. 77, 436–442. doi: 10.1038/ki.2009.481

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, N. X., O'neill, K. D., and Moe, S. M. (2018). Matrix vesicles induce calcification of recipient vascular smooth muscle cells through multiple signaling pathways. Kidney Int. 93, 343–354. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.07.019

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chen, W. R., Zhou, Y. J., Yang, J. Q., Liu, F., Wu, X. P., and Sha, Y. (2020). Melatonin attenuates calcium deposition from vascular smooth muscle cells by activating mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy via an AMPK/OPA1 signaling pathway. Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2020:5298483. doi: 10.1155/2020/5298483

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Chistiakov, D. A., Sobenin, I. A., Revin, V. V., Orekhov, A. N., and Bobryshev, Y. V. (2014). Mitochondrial aging and age-related dysfunction of mitochondria. Biomed Res. Int. 2014:238463. doi: 10.1155/2014/238463

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cho, D. H., Nakamura, T., Fang, J., Cieplak, P., Godzik, A., Gu, Z., et al. (2009). S-nitrosylation of Drp1 mediates beta-amyloid-related mitochondrial fission and neuronal injury. Science 324, 102–105. doi: 10.1126/science.1171091

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ciceri, P., Elli, F., Braidotti, P., Falleni, M., Tosi, D., Bulfamante, G., et al. (2016). Iron citrate reduces high phosphate-induced vascular calcification by inhibiting apoptosis. Atherosclerosis 254, 93–101. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2016.09.071

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Collins, A. R., Lyon, C. J., Xia, X., Liu, J. Z., Tangirala, R. K., Yin, F., et al. (2009). Age-accelerated atherosclerosis correlates with failure to upregulate antioxidant genes. Circ. Res. 104, e42–54. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.188771

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Conti, V., Izzo, V., Corbi, G., Russomanno, G., Manzo, V., De Lise, F., et al. (2016). Antioxidant supplementation in the treatment of aging-associated diseases. Front. Pharmacol. 7:24. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00024

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Correia-Melo, C., Marques, F. D., Anderson, R., Hewitt, G., Hewitt, R., Cole, J., et al. (2016). Mitochondria are required for pro-ageing features of the senescent phenotype. EMBO J. 35, 724–742. doi: 10.15252/embj.201592862

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Cui, L., Rashdan, N. A., Zhu, D., Milne, E. M., Ajuh, P., Milne, G., et al. (2017). End stage renal disease-induced hypercalcemia may promote aortic valve calcification via Annexin VI enrichment of valve interstitial cell derived-matrix vesicles. J. Cell. Physiol. 232, 2985–2995. doi: 10.1002/jcp.25935

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dai, X. Y., Zhao, M. M., Cai, Y., Guan, Q. C., Zhao, Y., Guan, Y., et al. (2013). Phosphate-induced autophagy counteracts vascular calcification by reducing matrix vesicle release. Kidney Int. 83, 1042–1051. doi: 10.1038/ki.2012.482

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Davaine, J. M., Quillard, T., Chatelais, M., Guilbaud, F., Brion, R., Guyomarch, B., et al. (2016). Bone like arterial calcification in femoral atherosclerotic lesions: prevalence and role of osteoprotegerin and pericytes. Eur. J. Vasc. Endovasc. Surg. 51, 259–267. doi: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2015.10.004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Deluca, H. F., and Engstrom, G. W. (1961). Calcium uptake by rat kidney mitochondria. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 47, 1744–1750. doi: 10.1073/pnas.47.11.1744

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Doherty, T. M., Asotra, K., Fitzpatrick, L. A., Qiao, J. H., Wilkin, D. J., Detrano, R. C., et al. (2003). Calcification in atherosclerosis: bone biology and chronic inflammation at the arterial crossroads. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 100, 11201–11206. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1932554100

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Doonan, R., Mcelwee, J. J., Matthijssens, F., Walker, G. A., Houthoofd, K., Back, P., et al. (2008). Against the oxidative damage theory of aging: superoxide dismutases protect against oxidative stress but have little or no effect on life span in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genes Dev. 22, 3236–3241. doi: 10.1101/gad.504808

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dorai, H., and Sampath, T. K. (2001). Bone morphogenetic protein-7 modulates genes that maintain the vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype in culture. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 83, 70–78. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200100001-00010

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Dounousi, E., Papavasiliou, E., Makedou, A., Ioannou, K., Katopodis, K. P., Tselepis, A., et al. (2006). Oxidative stress is progressively enhanced with advancing stages of CKD. Am. J. Kidney Dis. 48, 752–760. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2006.08.015

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Du, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, L., Liu, B., Tian, Q., Liu, C. J., et al. (2011). Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein inhibits vascular smooth muscle calcification by interacting with bone morphogenetic protein-2. Circ. Res. 108, 917–928. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.110.234328

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Eisenberg, T., Schroeder, S., Andryushkova, A., Pendl, T., Kuttner, V., Bhukel, A., et al. (2014). Nucleocytosolic depletion of the energy metabolite acetyl-coenzyme a stimulates autophagy and prolongs lifespan. Cell Metab. 19, 431–444. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2014.02.010

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Elmore, S. P., Qian, T., Grissom, S. F., and Lemasters, J. J. (2001). The mitochondrial permeability transition initiates autophagy in rat hepatocytes. FASEB J. 15, 2286–2287. doi: 10.1096/fj.01-0206fje

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Escobales, N., Nunez, R. E., Jang, S., Parodi-Rullan, R., Ayala-Pena, S., Sacher, J. R., et al. (2014). Mitochondria-targeted ROS scavenger improves post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function and attenuates mitochondrial abnormalities in aged rats. J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 77, 136–146. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.10.009

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ewence, A. E., Bootman, M., Roderick, H. L., Skepper, J. N., Mccarthy, G., Epple, M., et al. (2008). Calcium phosphate crystals induce cell death in human vascular smooth muscle cells: a potential mechanism in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization. Circ. Res. 103, e28–34. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.181305

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Eyassu, F., and Angione, C. (2017). Modelling pyruvate dehydrogenase under hypoxia and its role in cancer metabolism. R. Soc. Open Sci. 4:170360. doi: 10.1098/rsos.170360

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Feng, J., Bussiere, F., and Hekimi, S. (2001). Mitochondrial electron transport is a key determinant of life span in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev. Cell 1, 633–644. doi: 10.1016/S1534-5807(01)00071-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fernandez-Caggiano, M., Barallobre-Barreiro, J., Rego-Perez, I., Crespo-Leiro, M. G., Paniagua, M. J., Grille, Z., et al. (2012). Mitochondrial haplogroups H and J: risk and protective factors for ischemic cardiomyopathy. PLoS ONE 7:e44128. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044128

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fernandez-Caggiano, M., Barallobre-Barreiro, J., Rego-Perez, I., Crespo-Leiro, M. G., Paniagua, M. J., Grille, Z., et al. (2013). Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup H as a risk factor for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in Spanish population. Mitochondrion 13, 263–268. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2013.03.005

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fetterman, J. L., Holbrook, M., Westbrook, D. G., Brown, J. A., Feeley, K. P., Breton-Romero, R., et al. (2016). Mitochondrial DNA damage and vascular function in patients with diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Cardiovasc. Diabetol. 15:53. doi: 10.1186/s12933-016-0372-y

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Frank, M., Duvezin-Caubet, S., Koob, S., Occhipinti, A., Jagasia, R., Petcherski, A., et al. (2012). Mitophagy is triggered by mild oxidative stress in a mitochondrial fission dependent manner. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1823, 2297–2310. doi: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.08.007

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Frauscher, B., Kirsch, A. H., Schabhuttl, C., Schweighofer, K., Ketszeri, M., Pollheimer, M., et al. (2018). Autophagy protects from uremic vascular media calcification. Front. Immunol. 9:1866. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01866

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fujimura, R., Yamamoto, T., Takabatake, Y., Takahashi, A., Namba-Hamano, T., Minami, S., et al. (2020). Autophagy protects kidney from phosphate-induced mitochondrial injury. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 524, 636–642. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.01.137

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Fusco, D., Colloca, G., Lo Monaco, M. R., and Cesari, M. (2007). Effects of antioxidant supplementation on the aging process. Clin. Interv. Aging 2, 377–387.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Gamboa, J. L., Billings, F. T. T., Bojanowski, M. T., Gilliam, L. A., Yu, C., Roshanravan, B., et al. (2016). Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease. Physiol. Rep. 4:12780. doi: 10.14814/phy2.12780

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Giachelli, C. M. (1999). Ectopic calcification: gathering hard facts about soft tissue mineralization. Am. J. Pathol. 154, 671–675. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9440(10)65313-8

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Gonzales, F., and Karnovsky, M. J. (1961). Electron microscopy of osteoclasts in healing fracturees of rat bone. J. Biophys. Biochem. Cytol. 9, 299–316. doi: 10.1083/jcb.9.2.299

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Goodman, W. G. (2001). Vascular calcification in chronic renal failure. Lancet 358, 1115–1116. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)06299-7

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Guo, X., Chen, K. H., Guo, Y., Liao, H., Tang, J., and Xiao, R. P. (2007). Mitofusin 2 triggers vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis via mitochondrial death pathway. Circ. Res. 101, 1113–1122. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.107.157644

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hamanaka, R. B., and Chandel, N. S. (2009). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species regulate hypoxic signaling. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 21, 894–899. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2009.08.005

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Han, L., Zhang, Y., Zhang, M., Guo, L., Wang, J., Zeng, F., et al. (2020). Interleukin-1beta-induced senescence promotes osteoblastic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells. Kidney Blood Press. Res. 45, 314–330. doi: 10.1159/000504298

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hansen, M., Rubinsztein, D. C., and Walker, D. W. (2018). Autophagy as a promoter of longevity: insights from model organisms. Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 19, 579–593. doi: 10.1038/s41580-018-0033-y

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hanumanthappa, N. B., Madhusudan, G., Mahimarangaiah, J., and Manjunath, C. N. (2011). Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome with severe calcific aortic valve stenosis. Ann. Pediatr. Cardiol. 4, 204–206. doi: 10.4103/0974-2069.84670

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hauschka, P. V., Lian, J. B., Cole, D. E., and Gundberg, C. M. (1989). Osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein: vitamin K-dependent proteins in bone. Physiol. Rev. 69, 990–1047. doi: 10.1152/physrev.1989.69.3.990

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Heather, L. C., Howell, N. J., Emmanuel, Y., Cole, M. A., Frenneaux, M. P., Pagano, D., et al. (2011). Changes in cardiac substrate transporters and metabolic proteins mirror the metabolic shift in patients with aortic stenosis. PLoS ONE 6:e26326. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026326

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Herisson, F., Heymann, M. F., Chetiveaux, M., Charrier, C., Battaglia, S., Pilet, P., et al. (2011). Carotid and femoral atherosclerotic plaques show different morphology. Atherosclerosis 216, 348–354. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2011.02.004

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hernandez, G., Thornton, C., Stotland, A., Lui, D., Sin, J., Ramil, J., et al. (2013). MitoTimer: a novel tool for monitoring mitochondrial turnover. Autophagy 9, 1852–1861. doi: 10.4161/auto.26501

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Herranz, N., and Gil, J. (2016). Mitochondria and senescence: new actors for an old play. EMBO J. 35, 701–702. doi: 10.15252/embj.201694025

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ho, A. M., Johnson, M. D., and Kingsley, D. M. (2000). Role of the mouse ank gene in control of tissue calcification and arthritis. Science 289, 265–270. doi: 10.1126/science.289.5477.265

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hortells, L., Sur, S., and St Hilaire, C. (2018). Cell phenotype transitions in cardiovascular calcification. Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 5:27. doi: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00027

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hruska, K. A., Mathew, S., and Saab, G. (2005). Bone morphogenetic proteins in vascular calcification. Circ. Res. 97, 105–114. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.00000175571.53833.6c

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hu, Q., Zhang, H., Gutierrez Cortes, N., Wu, D., Wang, P., Zhang, J., et al. (2020). Increased Drp1 acetylation by lipid overload induces cardiomyocyte death and heart dysfunction. Circ. Res. 126, 456–470. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.119.315252

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hu, Y. Y., Rawal, A., and Schmidt-Rohr, K. (2010). Strongly bound citrate stabilizes the apatite nanocrystals in bone. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 107, 22425–22429. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1009219107

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hubackova, S., Davidova, E., Rohlenova, K., Stursa, J., Werner, L., Andera, L., et al. (2019). Selective elimination of senescent cells by mitochondrial targeting is regulated by ANT2. Cell Death Differ. 26, 276–290. doi: 10.1038/s41418-018-0118-3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Huesa, C., Staines, K. A., Millan, J. L., and Macrae, V. E. (2015). Effects of etidronate on the Enpp1(-)/(-) mouse model of generalized arterial calcification of infancy. Int. J. Mol. Med. 36, 159–165. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2212

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Hur, K. Y., and Lee, M. S. (2015). New mechanisms of metformin action: focusing on mitochondria and the gut. J. Diabetes Investig. 6, 600–609. doi: 10.1111/jdi.12328

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Idelevich, A., Rais, Y., and Monsonego-Ornan, E. (2011). Bone Gla protein increases HIF-1alpha-dependent glucose metabolism and induces cartilage and vascular calcification. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 31, e55–71. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.111.230904

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Jeong, J. Y., Jeoung, N. H., Park, K. G., and Lee, I. K. (2012). Transcriptional regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase. Diabetes Metab. J. 36, 328–335. doi: 10.4093/dmj.2012.36.5.328

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Jia, Y., Wang, M., Mao, C., Yu, F., Wang, Y., Xiao, R., et al. (2018). COMP-prohibitin 2 interaction maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and controls smooth muscle cell identity. Cell Death Dis. 9:676. doi: 10.1038/s41419-018-0703-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Jinnouchi, H., Sato, Y., Sakamoto, A., Cornelissen, A., Mori, M., Kawakami, R., et al. (2020). Calcium deposition within coronary atherosclerotic lesion: implications for plaque stability. Atherosclerosis 306, 85–95. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2020.05.017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kaplan, R. S., Pratt, R. D., and Pedersen, P. L. (1986). Purification and characterization of the reconstitutively active phosphate transporter from rat liver mitochondria. J. Biol. Chem. 261, 12767–12773. doi: 10.1016/S0021-9258(18)67159-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kaplon, J., Zheng, L., Meissl, K., Chaneton, B., Selivanov, V. A., Mackay, G., et al. (2013). A key role for mitochondrial gatekeeper pyruvate dehydrogenase in oncogene-induced senescence. Nature 498, 109–112. doi: 10.1038/nature12154

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kilhovd, B. K., Berg, T. J., Birkeland, K. I., Thorsby, P., and Hanssen, K. F. (1999). Serum levels of advanced glycation end products are increased in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Diabetes Care 22, 1543–1548. doi: 10.2337/diacare.22.9.1543

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kim, H., Kim, H. J., Lee, K., Kim, J. M., Kim, H. S., Kim, J. R., et al. (2012). alpha-Lipoic acid attenuates vascular calcification via reversal of mitochondrial function and restoration of Gas6/Axl/Akt survival pathway. J. Cell. Mol. Med. 16, 273–286. doi: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01294.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kim, K. M. (1976). Calcification of matrix vesicles in human aortic valve and aortic media. Fed. Proc. 35, 156–162.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Kim, S. R., Eirin, A., Zhang, X., Lerman, A., and Lerman, L. O. (2019). Mitochondrial protection partly mitigates kidney cellular senescence in swine atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Cell. Physiol. Biochem. 52, 617–632. doi: 10.33594/000000044

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kim, Y. M., Youn, S. W., Sudhahar, V., Das, A., Chandhri, R., Cuervo Grajal, H., et al. (2018). Redox regulation of mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 by protein disulfide isomerase limits endothelial senescence. Cell Rep. 23, 3565–3578. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.054

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kirkman, D. L., Muth, B. J., Ramick, M. G., Townsend, R. R., and Edwards, D. G. (2018). Role of mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species in microvascular dysfunction in chronic kidney disease. Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 314, F423–F429. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00321.2017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kowaltowski, A. J., Castilho, R. F., Grijalba, M. T., Bechara, E. J., and Vercesi, A. E. (1996). Effect of inorganic phosphate concentration on the nature of inner mitochondrial membrane alterations mediated by Ca2+ ions. A proposed model for phosphate-stimulated lipid peroxidation. J. Biol. Chem. 271, 2929–2934. doi: 10.1074/jbc.271.6.2929

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Kristian, T., Pivovarova, N. B., Fiskum, G., and Andrews, S. B. (2007). Calcium-induced precipitate formation in brain mitochondria: composition, calcium capacity, and retention. J. Neurochem. 102, 1346–1356. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.04626.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lacolley, P., Regnault, V., Segers, P., and Laurent, S. (2017). Vascular smooth muscle cells and arterial stiffening: relevance in development, aging, and disease. Physiol. Rev. 97, 1555–1617. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00003.2017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lambert, C. M., Roy, M., Robitaille, G. A., Richard, D. E., and Bonnet, S. (2010). HIF-1 inhibition decreases systemic vascular remodelling diseases by promoting apoptosis through a hexokinase 2-dependent mechanism. Cardiovasc. Res. 88, 196–204. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvq152

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Landis, W. J., Hodgens, K. J., Song, M. J., Arena, J., Kiyonaga, S., Marko, M., et al. (1996). Mineralization of collagen may occur on fibril surfaces: evidence from conventional and high-voltage electron microscopy and three-dimensional imaging. J. Struct. Biol. 117, 24–35. doi: 10.1006/jsbi.1996.0066

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lanzer, P., Boehm, M., Sorribas, V., Thiriet, M., Janzen, J., Zeller, T., et al. (2014). Medial vascular calcification revisited: review and perspectives. Eur. Heart J. 35, 1515–1525. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehu163

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lee, J. S., Morrisett, J. D., and Tung, C. H. (2012). Detection of hydroxyapatite in calcified cardiovascular tissues. Atherosclerosis 224, 340–347. doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.07.023

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lee, S. J., Jeong, J. Y., Oh, C. J., Park, S., Kim, J. Y., Kim, H. J., et al. (2015). Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 promotes vascular calcification via SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation. Sci. Rep. 5:16577. doi: 10.1038/srep16577

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lee, Y., Lee, H. Y., Hanna, R. A., and Gustafsson, A. B. (2011). Mitochondrial autophagy by Bnip3 involves Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and recruitment of Parkin in cardiac myocytes. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol. 301, H1924–1931. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00368.2011

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lemasters, J. J., Theruvath, T. P., Zhong, Z., and Nieminen, A. L. (2009). Mitochondrial calcium and the permeability transition in cell death. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1787, 1395–1401. doi: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2009.06.009

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, D., Li, X., Guan, Y., and Guo, X. (2015). Mitofusin-2-mediated tethering of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum promotes cell cycle arrest of vascular smooth muscle cells in G0/G1 phase. Acta Biochim. Biophys. Sin. 47, 441–450. doi: 10.1093/abbs/gmv035

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, Q., Guo, H., Chou, D. W., Berndt, A., Sundberg, J. P., and Uitto, J. (2013). Mutant Enpp1asj mice as a model for generalized arterial calcification of infancy. Dis. Model. Mech. 6, 1227–1235. doi: 10.1242/dmm.012765

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, S., Zhan, J. K., Wang, Y. J., Lin, X., Zhong, J. Y., Wang, Y., et al. (2019). Exosomes from hyperglycemia-stimulated vascular endothelial cells contain versican that regulate calcification/senescence in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cell Biosci. 9:1. doi: 10.1186/s13578-018-0263-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Li, X., and Giachelli, C. M. (2007). Sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporters and vascular calcification. Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens. 16, 325–328. doi: 10.1097/MNH.0b013e3281c55ef1

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liberman, M., Bassi, E., Martinatti, M. K., Lario, F. C., Wosniak, J. Jr., Pomerantzeff, P. M., et al. (2008). Oxidant generation predominates around calcifying foci and enhances progression of aortic valve calcification. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 28, 463–470. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.156745

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lim, W. W., Corden, B., Ng, B., Vanezis, K., D'agostino, G., Widjaja, A. A., et al. (2020). Interleukin-11 is important for vascular smooth muscle phenotypic switching and aortic inflammation, fibrosis and remodeling in mouse models. Sci. Rep. 10:17853. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-74944-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Lin, M. E., Chen, T., Leaf, E. M., Speer, M. Y., and Giachelli, C. M. (2015). Runx2 expression in smooth muscle cells is required for arterial medial calcification in mice. Am. J. Pathol. 185, 1958–1969. doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.03.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liu, Y., Drozdov, I., Shroff, R., Beltran, L. E., and Shanahan, C. M. (2013). Prelamin A accelerates vascular calcification via activation of the DNA damage response and senescence-associated secretory phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells. Circ. Res. 112, e99–109. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.111.300543

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Liu, Y. F., Zhu, J. J., Yu Tian, X., Liu, H., Zhang, T., Zhang, Y. P., et al. (2020). Hypermethylation of mitochondrial DNA in vascular smooth muscle cells impairs cell contractility. Cell Death Dis. 11:35. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-2240-7

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Luo, G., Ducy, P., Mckee, M. D., Pinero, G. J., Loyer, E., Behringer, R. R., et al. (1997). Spontaneous calcification of arteries and cartilage in mice lacking matrix GLA protein. Nature 386, 78–81. doi: 10.1038/386078a0

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ma, S., Chen, J., Feng, J., Zhang, R., Fan, M., Han, D., et al. (2018). Melatonin ameliorates the progression of atherosclerosis via mitophagy activation and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition. Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2018:9286458. doi: 10.1155/2018/9286458

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ma, W. Q., Sun, X. J., Zhu, Y., and Liu, N. F. (2020). PDK4 promotes vascular calcification by interfering with autophagic activity and metabolic reprogramming. Cell Death Dis. 11:991. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-03162-w

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mackenzie, N. C., Huesa, C., Rutsch, F., and Macrae, V. E. (2012). New insights into NPP1 function: lessons from clinical and animal studies. Bone 51, 961–968. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2012.07.014

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Madamanchi, N. R., and Runge, M. S. (2007). Mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis. Circ. Res. 100, 460–473. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000258450.44413.96

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Madiraju, A. K., Erion, D. M., Rahimi, Y., Zhang, X. M., Braddock, D. T., Albright, R. A., et al. (2014). Metformin suppresses gluconeogenesis by inhibiting mitochondrial glycerophosphate dehydrogenase. Nature 510, 542–546. doi: 10.1038/nature13270

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Malyala, S., Zhang, Y., Strubbe, J. O., and Bazil, J. N. (2019). Calcium phosphate precipitation inhibits mitochondrial energy metabolism. PLoS Comput. Biol. 15:e1006719. doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006719

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Marino, G., Pietrocola, F., Eisenberg, T., Kong, Y., Malik, S. A., Andryushkova, A., et al. (2014). Regulation of autophagy by cytosolic acetyl-coenzyme A. Mol. Cell 53, 710–725. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2014.01.016

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Martin, J. H., and Matthews, J. L. (1970). Mitochondrial granules in chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes. An ultrastructural and microincineration study. Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. 68, 273–278. doi: 10.1097/00003086-197001000-00035

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Martinez-Reyes, I., and Chandel, N. S. (2020). Mitochondrial TCA cycle metabolites control physiology and disease. Nat. Commun. 11:102. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13668-3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

McWilliams, T. G., Prescott, A. R., Allen, G. F., Tamjar, J., Munson, M. J., Thomson, C., et al. (2016). mito-QC illuminates mitophagy and mitochondrial architecture in vivo. J. Cell Biol. 214, 333–345. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201603039

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Miller, J. D., Chu, Y., Brooks, R. M., Richenbacher, W. E., Pena-Silva, R., and Heistad, D. D. (2008). Dysregulation of antioxidant mechanisms contributes to increased oxidative stress in calcific aortic valvular stenosis in humans. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 52, 843–850. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2008.05.043

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Minamino, T., Miyauchi, H., Yoshida, T., Ishida, Y., Yoshida, H., and Komuro, I. (2002). Endothelial cell senescence in human atherosclerosis: role of telomere in endothelial dysfunction. Circulation 105, 1541–1544. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000013836.85741.17

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Minol, J. P., Reinsch, I., Luik, M., Leferink, A., Barth, M., Assmann, A., et al. (2017). Focal induction of ROS-release to trigger local vascular degeneration. PLoS ONE 12:e0179342. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179342

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Mokas, S., Lariviere, R., Lamalice, L., Gobeil, S., Cornfield, D. N., Agharazii, M., et al. (2016). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 plays a role in phosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. Kidney Int. 90, 598–609. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.05.020

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Montava-Garriga, L., and Ganley, I. G. (2020). Outstanding questions in mitophagy: what we do and do not know. J. Mol. Biol. 432, 206–230. doi: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.06.032

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Motro, M., and Shemesh, J. (2001). Calcium channel blocker nifedipine slows down progression of coronary calcification in hypertensive patients compared with diuretics. Hypertension 37, 1410–1413. doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.37.6.1410

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Murshed, M., and McKee, M. D. (2010). Molecular determinants of extracellular matrix mineralization in bone and blood vessels. Curr. Opin. Nephrol. Hypertens. 19, 359–365. doi: 10.1097/MNH.0b013e3283393a2b

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nahapetyan, H., Moulis, M., Grousset, E., Faccini, J., Grazide, M. H., Mucher, E., et al. (2019). Altered mitochondrial quality control in Atg7-deficient VSMCs promotes enhanced apoptosis and is linked to unstable atherosclerotic plaque phenotype. Cell Death Dis. 10:119. doi: 10.1038/s41419-019-1400-0

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nair, K., Ramachandran, P., Krishnamoorthy, K. M., Dora, S., and Achuthan, T. J. (2004). Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome with severe calcific aortic valve stenosis and calcific mitral valve. J. Heart Valve Dis. 13, 866–869.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Narendra, D., Tanaka, A., Suen, D. F., and Youle, R. J. (2008). Parkin is recruited selectively to impaired mitochondria and promotes their autophagy. J. Cell Biol. 183, 795–803. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200809125

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Neven, E., Bashir-Dar, R., Dams, G., Behets, G. J., Verhulst, A., Elseviers, M., et al. (2015). Disturbances in bone largely predict aortic calcification in an alternative rat model developed to study both vascular and bone pathology in chronic kidney disease. J. Bone Miner. Res. 30, 2313–2324. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.2585

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nicoll, R., Howard, J. M., and Henein, M. Y. (2015). A review of the effect of diet on cardiovascular calcification. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 16, 8861–8883. doi: 10.3390/ijms16048861

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nishikawa, T., Edelstein, D., Du, X. L., Yamagishi, S., Matsumura, T., Kaneda, Y., et al. (2000). Normalizing mitochondrial superoxide production blocks three pathways of hyperglycaemic damage. Nature 404, 787–790. doi: 10.1038/35008121

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nishimura, T., and Tooze, S. A. (2020). Emerging roles of ATG proteins and membrane lipids in autophagosome formation. Cell Discov. 6:32. doi: 10.1038/s41421-020-0161-3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nitiputri, K., Ramasse, Q. M., Autefage, H., Mcgilvery, C. M., Boonrungsiman, S., Evans, N. D., et al. (2016). Nanoanalytical electron microscopy reveals a sequential mineralization process involving carbonate-containing amorphous precursors. ACS Nano 10, 6826–6835. doi: 10.1021/acsnano.6b02443

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Nowotny, K., Jung, T., Hohn, A., Weber, D., and Grune, T. (2015). Advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Biomolecules 5, 194–222. doi: 10.3390/biom5010194

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Olive, M., Harten, I., Mitchell, R., Beers, J. K., Djabali, K., Cao, K., et al. (2010). Cardiovascular pathology in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria: correlation with the vascular pathology of aging. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 30, 2301–2309. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.110.209460

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Oliveira, G. A., and Kowaltowski, A. J. (2004). Phosphate increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species release. Free Radic. Res. 38, 1113–1118. doi: 10.1080/10715760400009258

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ong, S. B., Subrayan, S., Lim, S. Y., Yellon, D. M., Davidson, S. M., and Hausenloy, D. J. (2010). Inhibiting mitochondrial fission protects the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Circulation 121, 2012–2022. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.906610

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ou, Y., Liu, Z., Li, S., Zhu, X., Lin, Y., Han, J., et al. (2017). Citrate attenuates vascular calcification in chronic renal failure rats. APMIS 125, 452–458. doi: 10.1111/apm.12667

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Paddenberg, R., Ishaq, B., Goldenberg, A., Faulhammer, P., Rose, F., Weissmann, N., et al. (2003). Essential role of complex II of the respiratory chain in hypoxia-induced ROS generation in the pulmonary vasculature. Am. J. Physiol. Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 284, L710–719. doi: 10.1152/ajplung.00149.2002

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Parati, G. (2005). Blood pressure variability: its measurement and significance in hypertension. J. Hypertens. 23, S19–25. doi: 10.1097/01.hjh.0000165624.79933.d3

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Patten, D. A., Lafleur, V. N., Robitaille, G. A., Chan, D. A., Giaccia, A. J., and Richard, D. E. (2010). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 activation in nonhypoxic conditions: the essential role of mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species. Mol. Biol. Cell 21, 3247–3257. doi: 10.1091/mbc.e10-01-0025

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Paul, R. J. (1983). Functional compartmentalization of oxidative and glycolytic metabolism in vascular smooth muscle. Am. J. Physiol. 244, C399–409. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.1983.244.5.C399

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pei, D-D, Sun, J-L, Zhu, C-H, Tian, F-C, Jiao, K, Anderson, MR, et al Contribution of mitophagy to cell-mediated mineralization: revisiting a 50-year-old conundrum. Adv Sci. (2018) 5:1800873. doi: 10.1002/advs.201800873

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Peng, Y. Q., Xiong, D., Lin, X., Cui, R. R., Xu, F., Zhong, J. Y., et al. (2017). Oestrogen inhibits arterial calcification by promoting autophagy. Sci. Rep. 7:3549. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-03801-x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Phadwal, K., Feng, D., Zhu, D., and Macrae, V. E. (2020). Autophagy as a novel therapeutic target in vascular calcification. Pharmacol. Ther. 206:107430. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107430

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Phan, O., Ivanovski, O., Nikolov, I. G., Joki, N., Maizel, J., Louvet, L., et al. (2008). Effect of oral calcium carbonate on aortic calcification in apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) mice with chronic renal failure. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 23, 82–90. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfm699

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pietrocola, F., Galluzzi, L., Bravo-San Pedro, J. M., Madeo, F., and Kroemer, G. (2015). Acetyl coenzyme A: a central metabolite and second messenger. Cell Metab. 21, 805–821. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.05.014

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pozzan, T., Magalhaes, P., and Rizzuto, R. (2000). The comeback of mitochondria to calcium signalling. Cell Calcium 28, 279–283. doi: 10.1054/ceca.2000.0166

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Pozzan, T., and Rizzuto, R. (2000). High tide of calcium in mitochondria. Nat. Cell Biol. 2, E25–27. doi: 10.1038/35000095

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Quarles, L. D. (2003). FGF23, PHEX, and MEPE regulation of phosphate homeostasis and skeletal mineralization. Am. J. Physiol. Endocrinol. Metab. 285, E1–9. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00016.2003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Raaz, U., Schellinger, I. N., Chernogubova, E., Warnecke, C., Kayama, Y., Penov, K., et al. (2015). Transcription factor Runx2 promotes aortic fibrosis and stiffness in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Circ. Res. 117, 513–524. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.115.306341

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ragnauth, C. D., Warren, D. T., Liu, Y., Mcnair, R., Tajsic, T., Figg, N., et al. (2010). Prelamin A acts to accelerate smooth muscle cell senescence and is a novel biomarker of human vascular aging. Circulation 121, 2200–2210. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.902056

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rashdan, N. A., Sim, A. M., Cui, L., Phadwal, K., Roberts, F. L., Carter, R., et al. (2020). Osteocalcin regulates arterial calcification via altered Wnt signaling and glucose metabolism. J. Bone Miner. Res. 35, 357–367. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.3888

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Razzaque, M. S. (2011). The dualistic role of vitamin D in vascular calcifications. Kidney Int. 79, 708–714. doi: 10.1038/ki.2010.432

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Reznikov, N., Hoac, B., Buss, D. J., Addison, W. N., Barros, N. M. T., and Mckee, M. D. (2020). Biological stenciling of mineralization in the skeleton: local enzymatic removal of inhibitors in the extracellular matrix. Bone 138:115447. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115447

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rizzuto, R., Bernardi, P., and Pozzan, T. (2000). Mitochondria as all-round players of the calcium game. J. Physiol. 529, 37–47. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.2000.00037.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rizzuto, R., Brini, M., Murgia, M., and Pozzan, T. (1993). Microdomains with high Ca2+ close to IP3-sensitive channels that are sensed by neighboring mitochondria. Science 262, 744–747. doi: 10.1126/science.8235595

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Roberts, F., Markby, G., Dillon, S., Farquharson, C., and Macrae, V. E. (2020). Beyond mineralisation: metabolic functions for matrix mineralisation regulators. J. Endocrinol. 245, R11–R22. doi: 10.1530/JOE-19-0460

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Roca, F., Grossin, N., Chassagne, P., Puisieux, F., and Boulanger, E. (2014). Glycation: the angiogenic paradox in aging and age-related disorders and diseases. Ageing Res. Rev. 15, 146–160. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2014.03.009

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rogers, M. A., Maldonado, N., Hutcheson, J. D., Goettsch, C., Goto, S., Yamada, I., et al. (2017). Dynamin-related protein 1 inhibition attenuates cardiovascular calcification in the presence of oxidative stress. Circ. Res. 121, 220–233. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.310293

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Roman-Garcia, P., Barrio-Vazquez, S., Fernandez-Martin, J. L., Ruiz-Torres, M. P., and Cannata-Andia, J. B. (2011). Natural antioxidants and vascular calcification: a possible benefit. J. Nephrol. 24, 669–672. doi: 10.5301/jn.5000029

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rosenfeld, M. E., Polinsky, P., Virmani, R., Kauser, K., Rubanyi, G., and Schwartz, S. M. (2000). Advanced atherosclerotic lesions in the innominate artery of the ApoE knockout mouse. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 20, 2587–2592. doi: 10.1161/01.ATV.20.12.2587

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Roshanravan, B., Kestenbaum, B., Gamboa, J., Jubrias, S. A., Ayers, E., Curtin, L., et al. (2016). CKD and muscle mitochondrial energetics. Am. J. Kidney Dis. 68, 658–659. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2016.05.011

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ross, R. (1999). Atherosclerosis–an inflammatory disease. N. Engl. J. Med. 340, 115–126. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199901143400207

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Rossman, M. J., Santos-Parker, J. R., Steward, C. a. C., Bispham, N. Z., Cuevas, L. M., et al. (2018). Chronic supplementation with a mitochondrial antioxidant (mitoq) improves vascular function in healthy older adults. Hypertension 71, 1056–1063. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.117.10787

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sakata, N., Meng, J., and Takebayashi, S. (2000). Effects of advanced glycation end products on the proliferation and fibronectin production of smooth muscle cells. J. Atheroscler. Thromb. 7, 169–176. doi: 10.5551/jat1994.7.169

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Salamat, M., Dhar, P. K., Neagu, D. L., and Lyon, J. B. (2010). Aortic calcification in a patient with hutchinson-gilford progeria syndrome. Pediatr. Cardiol. 31, 925–926. doi: 10.1007/s00246-010-9711-z

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sanchis, P., Ho, C. Y., Liu, Y., Beltran, L. E., Ahmad, S., Jacob, A. P., et al. (2019). Arterial “inflammaging” drives vascular calcification in children on dialysis. Kidney Int. 95, 958–972. doi: 10.1016/j.kint.2018.12.014

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Santel, A., and Fuller, M. T. (2001). Control of mitochondrial morphology by a human mitofusin. J. Cell Sci. 114, 867–874.

PubMed Abstract | Google Scholar

Saotome, M., Safiulina, D., Szabadkai, G., Das, S., Fransson, A., Aspenstrom, P., et al. (2008). Bidirectional Ca2+-dependent control of mitochondrial dynamics by the Miro GTPase. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 105, 20728–20733. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0808953105

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sarraf, S. A., Raman, M., Guarani-Pereira, V., Sowa, M. E., Huttlin, E. L., Gygi, S. P., et al. (2013). Landscape of the PARKIN-dependent ubiquitylome in response to mitochondrial depolarization. Nature 496, 372–376. doi: 10.1038/nature12043

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sato, H., Sato, M., Kanai, H., Uchiyama, T., Iso, T., Ohyama, Y., et al. (2005). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and c-Src play a critical role in hypoxic response in vascular smooth muscle cells. Cardiovasc. Res. 67, 714–722. doi: 10.1016/j.cardiores.2005.04.017

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Schlieper, G., Aretz, A., Verberckmoes, S. C., Kruger, T., Behets, G. J., Ghadimi, R., et al. (2010). Ultrastructural analysis of vascular calcifications in uremia. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 21, 689–696. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2009080829

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Schmid, K., Mcsharry, W. O., Pameijer, C. H., and Binette, J. P. (1980). Chemical and physicochemical studies on the mineral deposits of the human atherosclerotic aorta. Atherosclerosis 37, 199–210. doi: 10.1016/0021-9150(80)90005-2

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Serrano-Teruel, M. E., Garcia-Vieites, M., Rego-Perez, I., Domenech-Garcia, N., Blanco-Garcia, F., Cuenca-Castillo, J. J., et al. (2019). Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups influence the risk of aortic stenosis. Asian Cardiovasc. Thorac. Ann. 27, 5–10. doi: 10.1177/0218492318813220

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shanahan, C. M. (2013). Autophagy and matrix vesicles: new partners in vascular calcification. Kidney Int. 83, 984–986. doi: 10.1038/ki.2013.75

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shi, L., and Tu, B. P. (2015). Acetyl-CoA and the regulation of metabolism: mechanisms and consequences. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol. 33, 125–131. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2015.02.003

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shobeiri, N., Adams, M. A., and Holden, R. M. (2010). Vascular calcification in animal models of CKD: a review. Am. J. Nephrol. 31, 471–481. doi: 10.1159/000299794

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Shroff, R. C., Mcnair, R., Skepper, J. N., Figg, N., Schurgers, L. J., Deanfield, J., et al. (2010). Chronic mineral dysregulation promotes vascular smooth muscle cell adaptation and extracellular matrix calcification. J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 21, 103–112. doi: 10.1681/ASN.2009060640

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sieprath, T., Corne, T. D., Nooteboom, M., Grootaert, C., Rajkovic, A., Buysschaert, B., et al. (2015). Sustained accumulation of prelamin A and depletion of lamin A/C both cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction but induce different cell fates. Nucleus 6, 236–246. doi: 10.1080/19491034.2015.1050568

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sims, T. J., Rasmussen, L. M., Oxlund, H., and Bailey, A. J. (1996). The role of glycation cross-links in diabetic vascular stiffening. Diabetologia 39, 946–951. doi: 10.1007/BF00403914

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sobenin, I. A., Zhelankin, A. V., Sinyov, V. V., Bobryshev, Y. V., and Orekhov, A. N. (2015). Mitochondrial aging: focus on mitochondrial dna damage in atherosclerosis - a mini-review. Gerontology 61, 343–349. doi: 10.1159/000368923

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Spagnoli, L. G., Bonanno, E., Sangiorgi, G., and Mauriello, A. (2007). Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis. J. Nucl. Med. 48, 1800–1815. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.107.038661

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Speer, M. Y., Li, X., Hiremath, P. G., and Giachelli, C. M. (2010). Runx2/Cbfa1, but not loss of myocardin, is required for smooth muscle cell lineage reprogramming toward osteochondrogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 110, 935–947. doi: 10.1002/jcb.22607

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Strub, G. M., Paillard, M., Liang, J., Gomez, L., Allegood, J. C., Hait, N. C., et al. (2011). Sphingosine-1-phosphate produced by sphingosine kinase 2 in mitochondria interacts with prohibitin 2 to regulate complex IV assembly and respiration. FASEB J. 25, 600–612. doi: 10.1096/fj.10-167502

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sun, N., Yun, J., Liu, J., Malide, D., Liu, C., Rovira, I.i, Holmstrom, K. M., et al. (2015). Measuring in vivo mitophagy. Mol. Cell 60, 685–696. doi: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.10.009

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Sutfin, L. V., Holtrop, M. E., and Ogilvie, R. E. (1971). Microanalysis of individual mitochondrial granules with diameters less than 1000 angstroms. Science 174, 947–949. doi: 10.1126/science.174.4012.947

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Swietach, P., Hulikova, A., Vaughan-Jones, R. D., and Harris, A. L. (2010). New insights into the physiological role of carbonic anhydrase IX in tumour pH regulation. Oncogene 29, 6509–6521. doi: 10.1038/onc.2010.455

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Szeri, F., Lundkvist, S., Donnelly, S., Engelke, U. F. H., Rhee, K., Williams, C., et al. (2019). Ankylosis homologue (ANKH) controls extracellular citrate and pyrophosphate homeostasis and affects bone mechanical performance. bioRxiv 2019:883223. doi: 10.1101/2019.12.20.883223

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tamaki, M., Miyashita, K., Wakino, S., Mitsuishi, M., Hayashi, K., and Itoh, H. (2014). Chronic kidney disease reduces muscle mitochondria and exercise endurance and its exacerbation by dietary protein through inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase. Kidney Int. 85, 1330–1339. doi: 10.1038/ki.2013.473

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tan, A. L., Sourris, K. C., Harcourt, B. E., Thallas-Bonke, V., Penfold, S., Andrikopoulos, S., et al. (2010). Disparate effects on renal and oxidative parameters following RAGE deletion, AGE accumulation inhibition, or dietary AGE control in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 298, F763–770. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00591.2009

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Taylor, J., Butcher, M., Zeadin, M., Politano, A., and Shaughnessy, S. G. (2011). Oxidized low-density lipoprotein promotes osteoblast differentiation in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells by up-regulating Osterix expression in an Msx2-dependent manner. J. Cell. Biochem. 112, 581–588. doi: 10.1002/jcb.22948

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tesauro, M., Mauriello, A., Rovella, V., Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli, M., Cardillo, C., Melino, G., et al. (2017). Arterial ageing: from endothelial dysfunction to vascular calcification. J. Intern. Med. 281, 471–482. doi: 10.1111/joim.12605

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Ting, T. C., Miyazaki-Anzai, S., Masuda, M., Levi, M., Demer, L. L., Tintut, Y., et al. (2011). Increased lipogenesis and stearate accelerate vascular calcification in calcifying vascular cells. J. Biol. Chem. 286, 23938–23949. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M111.237065

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Tintut, Y., Patel, J., Parhami, F., and Demer, L. L. (2000). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha promotes in vitro calcification of vascular cells via the cAMP pathway. Circulation 102, 2636–2642. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.102.21.2636

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Trifunovic, A., Wredenberg, A., Falkenberg, M., Spelbrink, J. N., Rovio, A. T., Bruder, C. E., et al. (2004). Premature ageing in mice expressing defective mitochondrial DNA polymerase. Nature 429, 417–423. doi: 10.1038/nature02517

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Twig, G., Elorza, A., Molina, A. J., Mohamed, H., Wikstrom, J. D., Walzer, G., et al. (2008). Fission and selective fusion govern mitochondrial segregation and elimination by autophagy. EMBO J. 27, 433–446. doi: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601963

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Uchiki, T., Weikel, K. A., Jiao, W., Shang, F., Caceres, A., Pawlak, D., et al. (2012). Glycation-altered proteolysis as a pathobiologic mechanism that links dietary glycemic index, aging, and age-related disease (in nondiabetics). Aging Cell 11, 1–13. doi: 10.1111/j.1474-9726.2011.00752.x

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Van Deursen, J. M. (2014). The role of senescent cells in ageing. Nature 509, 439–446. doi: 10.1038/nature13193

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Van Raamsdonk, J. M., and Hekimi, S. (2012). Superoxide dismutase is dispensable for normal animal lifespan. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 109, 5785–5790. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1116158109

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Verberckmoes, S. C., Persy, V., Behets, G. J., Neven, E., Hufkens, A., Zebger-Gong, H., et al. (2007). Uremia-related vascular calcification: more than apatite deposition. Kidney Int. 71, 298–303. doi: 10.1038/sj.ki.5002028

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Villa-Bellosta, R., Rivera-Torres, J., Osorio, F. G., Acin-Perez, R., Enriquez, J. A., Lopez-Otin, C., et al. (2013). Defective extracellular pyrophosphate metabolism promotes vascular calcification in a mouse model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome that is ameliorated on pyrophosphate treatment. Circulation 127, 2442–2451. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.112.000571

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wang, Q., Zhang, M., Torres, G., Wu, S., Ouyang, C., Xie, Z., et al. (2017). Metformin suppresses diabetes-accelerated atherosclerosis via the inhibition of Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission. Diabetes 66, 193–205. doi: 10.2337/db16-0915

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Wei, Q., Ren, X., Jiang, Y., Jin, H., Liu, N., and Li, J. (2013). Advanced glycation end products accelerate rat vascular calcification through RAGE/oxidative stress. BMC Cardiovasc. Disord. 13:13. doi: 10.1186/1471-2261-13-13

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Weiner, S., and Traub, W. (1986). Organization of hydroxyapatite crystals within collagen fibrils. FEBS Lett. 206, 262–266. doi: 10.1016/0014-5793(86)80993-0

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yahagi, K., Kolodgie, F. D., Lutter, C., Mori, H., Romero, M. E., Finn, A. V., et al. (2017). Pathology of human coronary and carotid artery atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in diabetes mellitus. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 37, 191–204. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.116.306256

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yamada, K., Fujimoto, S., Nishiura, R., Komatsu, H., Tatsumoto, M., Sato, Y., et al. (2007). Risk factors of the progression of abdominal aortic calcification in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. 22, 2032–2037. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfm031

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yamada, S., Taniguchi, M., Tokumoto, M., Toyonaga, J., Fujisaki, K., Suehiro, T., et al. (2012). The antioxidant tempol ameliorates arterial medial calcification in uremic rats: important role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease. J. Bone Miner. Res. 27, 474–485. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.539

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yao, Z., Xu, Y., Ma, W., Sun, X. Y., Jia, S., Zheng, Y., et al. (2018). Magnesium citrate protects against vascular calcification in an adenine-induced chronic renal failure rat model. J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 72, 270–276. doi: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000590

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yim, W. W., and Mizushima, N. (2020). Lysosome biology in autophagy. Cell Discov. 6:6. doi: 10.1038/s41421-020-0141-7

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yu, E., Calvert, P. A., Mercer, J. R., Harrison, J., Baker, L., Figg, N. L., et al. (2013). Mitochondrial DNA damage can promote atherosclerosis independently of reactive oxygen species through effects on smooth muscle cells and monocytes and correlates with higher-risk plaques in humans. Circulation 128, 702–712. doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002271

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Yuan, L., Wang, M., Liu, T., Lei, Y., Miao, Q., Li, Q., et al. (2019). Carbonic anhydrase 1-mediated calcification is associated with atherosclerosis, and methazolamide alleviates its pathogenesis. Front. Pharmacol. 10:766. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00766

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhang, H., Bosch-Marce, M., Shimoda, L. A., Tan, Y. S., Baek, J. H., Wesley, J. B., et al. (2008). Mitochondrial autophagy is an HIF-1-dependent adaptive metabolic response to hypoxia. J. Biol. Chem. 283, 10892–10903. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M800102200

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhao, M. M., Xu, M. J., Cai, Y., Zhao, G., Guan, Y., Kong, W., et al. (2011). Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species promote p65 nuclear translocation mediating high-phosphate-induced vascular calcification in vitro and in vivo. Kidney Int. 79, 1071–1079. doi: 10.1038/ki.2011.18

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhao, Y., Urganus, A. L., Spevak, L., Shrestha, S., Doty, S. B., Boskey, A. L., et al. (2009). Characterization of dystrophic calcification induced in mice by cardiotoxin. Calcif. Tissue Int. 85, 267–275. doi: 10.1007/s00223-009-9271-5

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhou, S., Fang, X., Xin, H., Li, W., Qiu, H., and Guan, S. (2013). Osteoprotegerin inhibits calcification of vascular smooth muscle cell via down regulation of the Notch1-RBP-Jkappa/Msx2 signaling pathway. PLoS ONE 8:e68987. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0068987

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhou, Z., Wang, K., Penn, M. S., Marso, S. P., Lauer, M. A., Forudi, F., et al. (2003). Receptor for AGE (RAGE) mediates neointimal formation in response to arterial injury. Circulation 107, 2238–2243. doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000063577.32819.23

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhu, Y., Ji, J. J., Yang, R., Han, X. Q., Sun, X. J., Ma, W. Q., et al. (2019). Lactate accelerates calcification in VSMCs through suppression of BNIP3-mediated mitophagy. Cell. Signal 58, 53–64. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.03.006

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Zhu, Y., Ma, W. Q., Han, X. Q., Wang, Y., Wang, X., and Liu, N. F. (2018). Advanced glycation end products accelerate calcification in VSMCs through HIF-1alpha/PDK4 activation and suppress glucose metabolism. Sci. Rep. 8:13730. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-31877-6

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Keywords: mitochondria, VSMCs, calcification, mitophagy, oxidative phoshorylation

Citation: Phadwal K, Vrahnas C, Ganley IG and MacRae VE (2021) Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Cause or Consequence of Vascular Calcification? Front. Cell Dev. Biol. 9:611922. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.611922

Received: 29 September 2020; Accepted: 04 February 2021;
Published: 16 March 2021.

Edited by:

Monzur Murshed, McGill University, Canada

Reviewed by:

David Magne, Université de Lyon, France
Natalie Reznikov, McGill University, Canada

Copyright © 2021 Phadwal, Vrahnas, Ganley and MacRae. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Kanchan Phadwal, a2FuY2hhbi5waGFkd2FsJiN4MDAwNDA7cm9zbGluLmVkLmFjLnVr

Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.