Vitamin K-dependent proteins: osteocalcin, matrix Gla-protein and extra osseous effects
Vitamin K - is a fat-soluble vitamin which plays an important role in the metabolism of bone and connective tissue, maintenance blood clotting properties. Vitamin K is involved in carboxylation of glutamic acid residues in the polypeptide chains of 14 human proteins, providing them with the necessary functional properties. Lack of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation of these proteins leads to changes in their biological activity. In this literature review we cover the mechanisms of vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and none bone actions of osteocalcin and matrix Gla-protein with different degrees of carboxylation.