Abstract
Vascular calcification (VC) is recognized as a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Our previous report revealed that the osteogenic transdifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays a role in this process. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Notably, receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) has been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases, yet its role and mechanisms in VC remain unexplored. To address this gap, we established models using chronic kidney disease mice and calcifying VSMCs to investigate the impact of RIPK1 on VC. Subsequently, a RIPK1-specific inhibitor (NEC-1) was applied in both in vitro and in vivo models. Our findings indicate significant activation of RIPK1 in calcified human arterial tissue, as well as in animal and cellular models. RIPK1 activation promotes the osteogenic transdifferentiation of VSMCs. Treatment with the NEC-1 substantially reduced VC. These results demonstrate that RIPK1 is a target for preventing VC.