HMN 2026: How Shared genes may influence both artery calcification and bone density

A new study published suggests that the connection between coronary artery calcification—a measure of calcium buildup in the arteries—and bone mineral density may be driven in part by shared genetic factors, rather than one directly causing the other. By highlighting the biological pathways that influence both vascular and bone health, the findings provide researchers with new directions for understanding age-related changes in the heart and skeleton.

The study, “A comprehensive multi-layered analysis reveals genetic pleiotropy underlying coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density,” published in Bone, analyzed genome-wide data to explore overlapping genetic influences on CAC and estimated calcaneal bone mineral density.

Although a broad global correlation between CAC and calcaneal bone mineral density was not observed, the researchers identified five genome regions with significant overlapping genetic signals and 211 shared genes associated with both traits. Key shared genes included SMG6 and PAFAH1B1, and pathway analyses highlighted mechanisms related to oxidative stress and protein degradation that may affect both arteries and bones.

Importantly, these results suggest that the commonly observed clinical association between arterial calcification and bone density may reflect common underlying biology, rather than a direct causal link between vascular and skeletal changes. Understanding these shared pathways may help scientists identify targets for interventions that support both cardiovascular and skeletal health as people age.

“Our findings show that the same genetic factors may influence both artery calcification and bone density,” said Douglas P. Kiel, MD, MPH, senior scientist at Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research. “Rather than one condition driving the other, it appears the same biological pathways may shape how aging affects both the heart’s arteries and the skeleton. This insight opens new avenues for research into mechanisms and interventions that could benefit both cardiovascular and bone health.”

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