COMET Leducq Network

Calcification-Omics, Molecular Elucidation, & Therapeutics (COMET) is an interdisciplinary international research network focused on tackling vascular calcification, a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Coordinated by Rajeev Malhotra (Massachusetts General Hospital, USA) and Catherine Shanahan (King’s College London, UK), the network includes experts from leading institutions across the USA, UK, Germany, and the Netherlands. Vascular calcification drives atherosclerosis, arterial stiffness, hypertensive heart disease, and rare conditions like calciphylaxis. Despite its growing prevalence due to aging populations and rising diabetes and chronic kidney disease rates, no targeted therapies currently exist. COMET aims to advance understanding and treatment by focusing on the central role of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in calcification. The project investigates: The heterogeneity of VSMC sub-populations across different disease contexts Identification of new molecular targets regulating calcification The interaction between aging VSMCs and extracellular matrix (ECM) changes that influence mineral formation Utilizing cutting-edge genetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and chemical biology approaches, COMET will unravel the molecular mechanisms driving calcification and ECM remodeling. The data will guide AI-driven therapeutic development targeting both rare genetic calcification disorders and common cardiovascular diseases. This collaborative effort brings together cardiologists, nephrologists, biotechnologists, biologists, and chemists to create novel therapies aimed at reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by directly addressing vascular calcification—a promising step toward improving patient outcomes worldwide.