Role of matrix vesicles and crystal ghosts in bio-mineralization

J Bone Miner Metab. 2020 Nov;38(6):759-764. doi: 10.1007/s00774-020-01125-x. Epub 2020 Jul 31.

Abstract

Matrix vesicles (MVs) are extracellular membrane-bound vesicles of about ~ 50-200 nm in diameter that play a role in the bio-mineralization process of hard tissue formation. The present review is based on the empirical phenomenon of primary mineralization process via matrix vesicle-mediated mechanism with special reference to crystal ghosts as well as the mechanism on the organic-inorganic relationship between matrix vesicles and crystal ghosts, and the transformation that these structures undergo during bio-mineralization.

Keywords: Bio-mineralization; Crystal ghosts; Exosome; Matrix vesicle; Microvesicles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcification, Physiologic*
  • Crystallization
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Extracellular Vesicles / metabolism*