Exploration of the ectophosphodiesterase NPP1 as a target for the treatment of calcification diseases. KU Leuven
The integral membrane protein NPP1 (Nucleotide Pyrophosphatase/Phosphodiesterase-1) generates PPi by the hydrolysis of extracellular ATP. PPi is an inhibitor of calcification in soft tissues and prevents the disproportionate accumulation of hydroxyapatite in bones. An excess of PPi results in the deposition of pathological calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals (chondrocalcinosis), but also contributes to the development of hypophosphatasia, ...