Vascular calcification (VC), characterized by different mineral deposits (i.e., carbonate apatite, whitlockite and hydroxyapatite) accumulating in blood vessels and valves, represents a relevant pathological process for the aging population and a life-threatening complication in acquired and in genetic diseases. Similarly to bone remodeling, VC is an actively regulated process in which many cells and molecules play a pivotal role. This review aims at: (i) describing the role of resident and circulating cells, of the extracellular environment and of positive and negative factors in driving the mineralization process; (ii) detailing the types of VC (i.e., intimal, medial and cardiac valve calcification); (iii) analyzing rare genetic diseases underlining the importance of altered pyrophosphate-dependent regulatory mechanisms; (iv) providing therapeutic options and perspectives.

血管钙化（VC）的特征是在血管和瓣膜中积聚了不同的矿物质沉积物（即，碳酸盐磷灰石，硅镁土和羟基磷灰石），代表了人口老龄化的相关病理过程以及后天遗传疾病和危及生命的并发症。与骨骼重塑相似，VC是一个主动调节的过程，其中许多细胞和分子都起着关键作用。这篇综述的目的是：（i）描述常驻和循环细胞，细胞外环境以及正负因子在驱动矿化过程中的作用；（ii）详细说明VC的类型（即内膜，内侧和心脏瓣膜钙化）；（iii）分析罕见的遗传疾病，强调改变焦磷酸盐依赖性调节机制的重要性；