Mechanically stimulated osteocytes regulate osteoblastic activity via gap junctions

Biomimetic bone mechanotransduction modeling in neonatal rat femur organ cultures: structural verification of proof of concept

The goal of this work was to develop and validate a whole bone organ culture model to be utilized in biomimetic mechanotransduction research. Femurs harvested from 2-day-old neonatal rat pups were maintained in culture for 1 week post-harvest and assessed for growth and viability. For stimulation studies, femurs were physiologically stimulated for 350 cycles 24 h post-harvest then maintained in culture for 1 week at which time structural tests were conducted. Comparing 1 and 8 days in culture, bones grew significantly in size over the 7-day culture period. In addition, histology supported adequate diffusion and organ viability at 2 weeks in culture. For stimulation studies, 350 cycles of physiologic loading 24 h post-harvest resulted in increased bone strength over the 7-day culture period. In this work, structural proof of concept was established for the use of whole bone organ cultures as mechanotransduction models. Specifically, this work established that these cultures grow and remain viable in culture, are adequately nourished via diffusion and are capable of responding to a brief bout of mechanical stimulation with an increase in strength.

Increased mechanosensitivity of cells cultured on nanotopographies

Enhancing cellular mechanosensitivity is recognized as a novel tool for successful musculoskeletal tissue engineering. We examined the hypothesis that mechanosensitivity of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is enhanced on nanotopographic substrates relative to flat surfaces. hMSCs were cultured on polymer-demixed, randomly distributed nanoisland surfaces with varying island heights and changes in intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca(2+)](i), in response to fluid flow induced shear stress were quantifide. Stem cells cultured on specific scale nanotopographies displayed greater intracellular calcium responses to fluid flow. hMSCs cultured on 10-20nm high nanoislands displayed a greater percentage of cells responding in calcium relative to cells cultured on flat control, and showed greater average [Ca(2+)](i) increase relative to cells cultured on other nanoislands (45-80nm high nanoislands). As [Ca(2+)](i) is an important regulator of downstream signaling, as well as proliferation and differentiation of hMSCs, this observation suggests that specific scale nanotopographies provide an optimal milieu for promoting stem cell mechanotransduction activity. That mechanical signals and substrate nanotopography may synergistically regulate cell behavior is of significant interest in the development of regenerative medicine protocols.

Rescuing loading induced bone formation at senescence

The increasing incidence of osteoporosis worldwide requires anabolic treatments that are safe, effective, and, critically, inexpensive given the prevailing overburdened health care systems. While vigorous skeletal loading is anabolic and holds promise, deficits in mechanotransduction accrued with age markedly diminish the efficacy of readily complied, exercise-based strategies to combat osteoporosis in the elderly. Our approach to explore and counteract these age-related deficits was guided by cellular signaling patterns across hierarchical scales and by the insight that cell responses initiated during transient, rare events hold potential to exert high-fidelity control over temporally and spatially distant tissue adaptation. Here, we present an agent-based model of real-time Ca(2+)/NFAT signaling amongst bone cells that fully described periosteal bone formation induced by a wide variety of loading stimuli in young and aged animals. The model predicted age-related pathway alterations underlying the diminished bone formation at senescence, and hence identified critical deficits that were promising targets for therapy. Based upon model predictions, we implemented an in vivo intervention and show for the first time that supplementing mechanical stimuli with low-dose Cyclosporin A can completely rescue loading induced bone formation in the senescent skeleton. These pre-clinical data provide the rationale to consider this approved pharmaceutical alongside mild physical exercise as an inexpensive, yet potent therapy to augment bone mass in the elderly. Our analyses suggested that real-time cellular signaling strongly influences downstream bone adaptation to mechanical stimuli, and quantification of these otherwise inaccessible, transient events in silico yielded a novel intervention with clinical potential.

Effect of low-magnitude, high-frequency vibration on osteocytes in the regulation of osteoclasts

Osteocytes are well evidenced to be the major mechanosensor in bone, responsible for sending signals to the effector cells (osteoblasts and osteoclasts) that carry out bone formation and resorption. Consistent with this hypothesis, it has been shown that osteocytes release various soluble factors (e.g. transforming growth factor-beta, nitric oxide, and prostaglandins) that influence osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities when subjected to a variety of mechanical stimuli, including fluid flow, hydrostatic pressure, and mechanical stretching. Recently, low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibration (e.g., acceleration less than <1 x g, where g=9.81m/s(2), at 20-90 Hz) has gained much interest as studies have shown that such mechanical stimulation can positively influence skeletal homeostasis in animals and humans. Although the anabolic and anti-resorptive potential of LMHF vibration is becoming apparent, the signaling pathways that mediate bone adaptation to LMHF vibration are unknown. We hypothesize that osteocytes are the mechanosensor responsible for detecting the vibration stimulation and producing soluble factors that modulate the activity of effector cells. Hence, we applied low-magnitude (0.3 x g) vibrations to osteocyte-like MLO-Y4 cells at various frequencies (30, 60, 90 Hz) for 1h. We found that osteocytes were sensitive to this vibration stimulus at the transcriptional level: COX-2 maximally increased by 344% at 90Hz, while RANKL decreased most significantly (-55%, p<0.01) at 60Hz. Conditioned medium collected from the vibrated MLO-Y4 cells attenuated the formation of large osteoclasts (> or =10 nuclei) by 36% (p<0.05) and the amount of osteoclastic resorption by 20% (p=0.07). The amount of soluble RANKL (sRANKL) in the conditioned medium was found to be 53% lower in the vibrated group (p<0.01), while PGE(2) release was also significantly decreased (-61%, p<0.01). We conclude that osteocytes are able to sense LMHF vibration and respond by producing soluble factors that inhibit osteoclast formation.

Beta1 integrins mediate mechanosensitive signaling pathways in osteocytes

Integrins are cell-substrate adhesion proteins that initiate intracellular signaling and may serve as mechanosensors in bone. MLO-Y4 cells were stably transfected with a dominant negative form of the beta(1) integrin subunit (beta(1)DN) containing the transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail of beta(1) integrin. Cells expressing beta(1)DN had reduced vinculin localization to focal contacts but no change in intracellular actin organization. When exposed to oscillatory fluid flow, beta(1)DN cells exhibited a significant reduction in the upregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression and prostaglandin E(2) release. Similarly, the ratio of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand mRNA to osteoprotegerin mRNA decreased significantly after exposure to fluid flow in control cells but not in beta(1)DN cells. Interfering with integrin signaling did not affect mechanically induced intracellular calcium mobilization. These data suggest that integrins may initiate the cellular response of osteocytes to dynamic fluid flow and may serve as mechanosensitive molecules in bone.

Localization of SOST/sclerostin in cementocytes in vivo and in mineralizing periodontal ligament cells in vitro

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cementum and bone are rather similar hard tissues, and osteocytes and cementocytes, together with their canalicular network, share many morphological and cell biological characteristics. However, there is no clear evidence that cementocytes have a function in tissue homeostasis of cementum comparable to that of osteocytes in bone. Recent studies have established an important role for the secreted glycoprotein sclerostin, the product of the SOST gene, as an osteocyte-derived signal to control bone remodelling. In this study, we investigated the expression of sclerostin in cementocytes in vivo as well as the expression of SOST and sclerostin in periodontal ligament cell cultures following induction of mineralization.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Immunolocalization of sclerostin was performed in decalcified histological sections of mouse and human teeth and alveolar bone. Additionally, periodontal ligament cells from human donors were cultured in osteogenic conditions, namely in the presence of dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta-glycerophosphate, for up to 3 wk. The induction of calcified nodules was visualized by von Kossa stain. SOST mRNA was detected by real-time PCR, and the presence of sclerostin was verified using immunohistochemistry and western blots.

RESULTS

Expression of sclerostin was demonstrated in osteocytes of mouse and human alveolar bone. Distinct immunolocalization in the cementocytes was shown. In periodontal ligament cultures, following mineralization treatment, increasing levels of SOST mRNA as well as of sclerostin protein could be verified.

CONCLUSION

The identification of SOST/sclerostin in cementocytes and mineralizing periodontal ligament cells adds to our understanding of the biology of the periodontium, but the functional meaning of these findings can only be unravelled after additional in vitro and in vivo studies.

Responsiveness of human bone marrow stromal cells to shear stress

We examined the hypothesis that human mesenchymal stem cells detect physiological mechanical signals. Human bone marrow stromal cells (HBMSCs) were exposed to fluid shear stress of 12 dynes/cm(2) and analysed for their ability to express osteoblast-specific markers and associated signalling pathways. HBMSCs showed a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene expression and a marked decrease in type I collagen, while no effect on Cbfa1/Runx2 was detected. This regulation is related to p38 and ERK1/2 activation, although the use of specific inhibitors to these two MAP kinases suggests that ALP mRNA induction is especially dependent on p38 activity, while type I collagen downregulation is ERK1/2-dependent. Interestingly, the expression of connexin43, which is involved in cell-to-cell communication of osteoblastic cells through gap junction formation, and its distribution through the cells, were modified by fluid flow (FF). HBMSCs are sensitive to shear stress and it appears essential to take their responsiveness into consideration before associating these regenerative cells with a bioactive biomaterial in a new bone tissue-engineering strategy.

A Trabecular Bone Explant Model of Osteocyte-Osteoblast Co-Culture for Bone Mechanobiology

The osteocyte network is recognized as the major mechanical sensor in the bone remodeling process, and osteocyte-osteoblast communication acts as an important mediator in the coordination of bone formation and turnover. In this study, we developed a novel 3D trabecular bone explant co-culture model that allows live osteocytes situated in their native extracellular matrix environment to be interconnected with seeded osteoblasts on the bone surface. Using a low-level medium perfusion system, the viability of in situ osteocytes in bone explants was maintained for up to 4 weeks, and functional gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was successfully established between osteocytes and seeded primary osteoblasts. Using this novel co-culture model, the effects of dynamic deformational loading, GJIC, and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) release on functional bone adaptation were further investigated. The results showed that dynamical deformational loading can significantly increase the PGE(2) release by bone cells, bone formation, and the apparent elastic modulus of bone explants. However, the inhibition of gap junctions or the PGE(2) pathway dramatically attenuated the effects of mechanical loading. This 3D trabecular bone explant co-culture model has great potential to fill in the critical gap in knowledge regarding the role of osteocytes as a mechano-sensor and how osteocytes transmit signals to regulate osteoblasts function and skeletal integrity as reflected in its mechanical properties.

A comparative view on mechanisms and functions of skeletal remodelling in teleost fish, with special emphasis on osteoclasts and their function

Resorption and remodelling of skeletal tissues is required for development and growth, mechanical adaptation, repair, and mineral homeostasis of the vertebrate skeleton. Here we review for the first time the current knowledge about resorption and remodelling of the skeleton in teleost fish, the largest and most diverse group of extant vertebrates. Teleost species are increasingly used in aquaculture and as models in biomedical skeletal research. Thus, detailed knowledge is required to establish the differences and similarities between mammalian and teleost skeletal remodelling, and between distantly related species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). The cellular mechanisms of differentiation and activation of osteoclasts and the functions of teleost skeletal remodelling are described. Several characteristics, related to skeletal remodelling, distinguish teleosts from mammals. These characteristics include (a) the absence of osteocytes in most species; (b) the absence of haematopoietic bone marrow tissue; (c) the abundance of small mononucleated osteoclasts performing non-lacunar (smooth) bone resorption, in addition to or instead of multinucleated osteoclasts; and (d) a phosphorus- rather than calcium-driven mineral homeostasis (mainly affecting the postcranial dermal skeleton). Furthermore, (e) skeletal resorption is often absent from particular sites, due to sparse or lacking endochondral ossification. Based on the mode of skeletal remodelling in early ontogeny of all teleosts and in later stages of development of teleosts with acellular bone we suggest a link between acellular bone and the predominance of mononucleated osteoclasts, on the one hand, and cellular bone and multinucleated osteoclasts on the other. The evolutionary origin of skeletal remodelling is discussed and whether mononucleated osteoclasts represent an ancestral type of resorbing cells. Revealing the differentiation and activation of teleost skeletal resorbing cells, in the absence of several factors that trigger mammalian osteoclast differentiation, is a current challenge. Understanding which characters of teleost bone remodelling are derived and which characters are conserved should enhance our understanding of the process in fish and may provide insights into alternative pathways of bone remodelling in mammals.

On a Path to Unfolding the Biological Mechanisms of Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Orthodontic forces deform the extracellular matrix and activate cells of the paradental tissues, facilitating tooth movement. Discoveries in mechanobiology have illuminated sequential cellular and molecular events, such as signal generation and transduction, cytoskeletal re-organization, gene expression, differentiation, proliferation, synthesis and secretion of specific products, and apoptosis. Orthodontists work in a unique biological environment, wherein applied forces engender remodeling of both mineralized and non-mineralized paradental tissues, including the associated blood vessels and neural elements. This review aims at identifying events that affect the sequence, timing, and significance of factors that determine the nature of the biological response of each paradental tissue to orthodontic force. The results of this literature review emphasize the fact that mechanoresponses and inflammation are both essential for achieving tooth movement clinically. If both are working in concert, orthodontists might be able to accelerate or decelerate tooth movement by adding adjuvant methods, whether physical, chemical, or surgical.

Local communication on and within bone controls bone remodeling

Bone remodeling is required for healthy calcium homeostasis and for repair of damage occurring with stress and age. Osteoclasts resorb bone and osteoblasts form bone. These processes normally occur in a tightly regulated sequence of events, where the amount of formed bone equals the amount of resorbed bone, thereby restoring the removed bone completely. Osteocytes are the third cell type playing an essential role in bone turnover. They appear to regulate activation of bone remodeling, and they exert both positive and negative regulation on both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. In this review, we consider the intricate communication between these bone cells in relation to bone remodeling, reviewing novel data from patients with mutations rendering different cell populations inactive, which have shown that these interactions are more complex than originally thought. We highlight the high probability that a detailed understanding of these processes will aid in the development of novel treatments for bone metabolic disorders, i.e. we discuss the possibility that bone resorption can be attenuated pharmacologically without a secondary reduction in bone formation.

Connexin43 potentiates osteoblast responsiveness to fibroblast growth factor 2 via a protein kinase C-delta/Runx2-dependent mechanism

In this study, we examine the role of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), in the transcriptional response of osteocalcin to fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in MC3T3 osteoblasts. By luciferase reporter assays, we identify that the osteocalcin transcriptional response to FGF2 is markedly increased by overexpression of Cx43, an effect that is mediated by Runx2 via its OSE2 cognate element, but not by a previously identified connexin-responsive Sp1/Sp3-binding element. Furthermore, disruption of Cx43 function with Cx43 siRNAs or overexpression of connexin45 markedly attenuates the response to FGF2. Inhibition of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) with rottlerin or siRNA-mediated knockdown abrogates the osteocalcin response to FGF2. Additionally, we show that upon treatment with FGF2, PKCdelta translocates to the nucleus, PKCdelta and Runx2 are phosphorylated and these events are enhanced by Cx43 overexpression, suggesting that the degree of activation is enhanced by increased Cx43 levels. Indeed, chromatin immunoprecipitations of the osteocalcin proximal promoter with antibodies against Runx2 demonstrate that the recruitment of Runx2 to the osteocalcin promoter in response to FGF2 treatment is dramatically enhanced by Cx43 overexpression. Thus, Cx43 plays a critical role in regulating the ability of osteoblasts to respond to FGF2 by impacting PKCdelta and Runx2 function.

From streaming-potentials to shear stress: 25 years of bone cell mechanotransduction

Mechanical loads are vital regulators of skeletal mass and architecture as evidenced by the increase in bone formation following the addition of exogenous loads and loss of bone mass following their removal. While our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells perceive changes in their mechanical environment has increased rapidly in recent years, much remains to be learned. Here, we outline the effects of interstitial fluid flow, a potent biophysical signal induced by the deformation of skeletal tissue in response to applied loads, on bone cell behavior. We focus on the molecular mechanisms by which bone cells are hypothesized to perceive interstitial fluid flow, the cell signaling cascades activated by fluid flow, and the use of this signal in tissue engineering protocols.

The role of gap junctions in megakaryocyte-mediated osteoblast proliferation and differentiation

Gap junctions (GJs) are membrane-spanning channels that facilitate intercellular communication by allowing small signaling molecules (e.g. calcium ions, inositol phosphates, and cyclic nucleotides) to pass from cell to cell. Over the past two decades, many studies have described a role for GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) in the proliferation and differentiation of many cells, including bone cells. Recently, we reported that megakaryocytes (MKs) enhance osteoblast (OB) proliferation by a juxtacrine signaling mechanism. Here we determine whether this response is facilitated by GJIC. First we demonstrate that MKs express connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant GJ protein expressed by bone cells, including OBs. Next, we provide data showing that MKs can communicate with OBs via GJIC, and that the addition of two distinct GJ uncouplers, 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (alphaGA) or oleamide, inhibits this communication. We then demonstrate that inhibiting MK-mediated GJIC further enhances the ability of MKs to stimulate OB proliferation. Finally, we show that while culturing MKs with OBs reduces gene expression of several differentiation markers/matrix proteins (type I collagen, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase), reduces alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity, and decreases mineralization in OBs, blocking GJIC does not result in MK-induced reductions in OB gene expression, enzymatic levels, or mineralized nodule formation. Overall, these data provide evidence that GJIC between MKs and OBs is functional, and that inhibiting GJIC in MK-OB cultures enhances OB proliferation without apparently altering differentiation when compared to similarly treated OB cultures. Thus, these observations regarding MK-OB GJIC inhibition may provide insight regarding potential novel targets for anabolic bone formation.

Fluid flow assays

Mechanical signals are major regulators of skeletal homeostasis as the addition of exogenous load is followed by enhanced bone formation and the removal of normal loads is followed by net bone loss. The mechanism by which bone cells perceive and respond to changes in their biophysical environment are still poorly understood, but it is widely accepted that the detection of interstitial fluid flow is an initiating cue. In this chapter, we describe two in vitro systems designed to examine the effects of fluid flow on bone cell behavior and to elucidate the signaling cascades activated by this stimulus. The first utilizes a parallel plate flow chamber designed to stimulate a single bone cell type grown on glass slides. The second employs a rotating disk fluid flow apparatus. Commercially-available cell culture inserts allow one type of bone cell to be exposed to fluid flow and signals to be communicated to a second bone cell model not exposed to fluid flow.

Attenuated response to in vivo mechanical loading in mice with conditional osteoblast ablation of the connexin43 gene (Gja1)

INTRODUCTION

In vitro data suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication mediated by connexin43 (Cx43) plays an important role in bone cell response to mechanical stimulation. We tested this hypothesis in vivo in a model of genetic deficiency of the Cx43 gene (Gja1).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four-month-old female mice with a conditional Gja1 ablation in osteoblasts (ColCre;Gja1(-/flox)), as well as wildtype (Gja1(+/flox)) and heterozygous equivalent (Gja1(-/flox)) littermates (eight per genotype), were subjected to a three-point bending protocol for 5 d/wk for 2 wk. Microstructural parameters and dynamic indices of bone formation were estimated on sections of loaded and control contralateral tibias.

RESULTS

ColCre;Gja1(-/flox) mice had significantly thinner cortices, but larger marrow area and total cross-sectional area in the tibial diaphysis, compared with the other groups. The ColCre;Gja1(-/flox) mice needed approximately 40% more force to generate the required endocortical strain. In Gja1(+/flox) mice, the loading regimen produced abundant double calcein labels at the endocortical surface, whereas predominantly single labels were seen in ColCre;Gja1(-/flox) mice. Accordingly, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate were significantly lower (54.8% and 50.2%, respectively) in ColCre;Gja1(-/flox) relative to Gja1(+/flox) mice. Intermediate values were found in Gja1(-/flox) mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Gja deficiency results in thinner but larger tibial diaphyses, resembling changes occurring with aging, and it attenuates the anabolic response to in vivo mechanical loading. Thus, Cx43 plays an instrumental role in this adaptive response to physical stimuli.

Cell-cell communication in the osteoblast/osteocyte lineage

Skeletal development (bone modeling) and its maintenance in post-natal life in response to local and systemic stimuli (bone remodeling) require coordinated activity among osteoblasts (bone forming cells), osteocytes (cells embedded in bone) and osteoclasts (bone resorbing cells), in order to meet the needs of structural integrity, mechanical competence and maintenance of mineral homeostasis. One mechanism of cell-cell interaction is via direct cell-cell communication via gap junctions. These are transmembrane channels that allow continuity of cytoplasms between communicating cells. The biologic importance of connexin43 (Cx43), the most abundant gap junction protein in the skeleton is demonstrated by the skeletal malformations present in oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), a disease linked to Cx43 gene (GJA1) mutations, and by the low bone mass and osteoblast dysfunction in Gja1 ablated mice. The presence of Cx43 is required for osteoblast differentiation and function, and by forming either gap junctions or "hemichannels" Cx43 allows participation of cell networks to responses to extracellular stimuli, via propagation of specific signals converging upon connexin sensitive transcriptional units. Hence, Cx43 is involved in skeletal responsiveness to anabolic signals, as those provided by parathyroid hormone and physical load, the latter function probably involving osteocyte-osteoblast communication.

Mechanotransduction in human bone: in vitro cellular physiology that underpins bone changes with exercise

Bone has a remarkable ability to adjust its mass and architecture in response to a wide range of loads, from low-level gravitational forces to high-level impacts. A variety of types and magnitudes of mechanical stimuli have been shown to influence human bone cell metabolism in vitro, including fluid shear, tensile and compressive strain, altered gravity and vibration. Therefore, the current article aims to synthesize in vitro data regarding the cellular mechanisms underlying the response of human bone cells to mechanical loading. Current data demonstrate commonalities in response to different types of mechanical stimuli on the one hand, along with differential activation of intracellular signalling on the other. A major unanswered question is, how do bone cells sense and distinguish between different types of load? The studies included in the present article suggest that the type and magnitude of loading may be discriminated by overlapping mechanosensory mechanisms including (i) ion channels; (ii) integrins; (iii) G-proteins; and (iv) the cytoskeleton. The downstream signalling pathways identified to date appear to overlap with known growth factor and hormone signals, providing a mechanism of interaction between systemic influences and the local mechanical environment. Finally, the data suggest that exercise should emphasize the amount of load rather than the number of repetitions.

The response of bone to mechanical loading and disuse: fundamental principles and influences on osteoblast/osteocyte homeostasis

Bone's response to increased or reduced loading/disuse is a feature of many clinical circumstances, and our daily life, as habitual activities change. However, there are several misconceptions regarding what constitutes loading or disuse and why the skeleton gains or loses bone. The main purpose of this article is to discuss the fundamentals of the need for bone to experience the effects of loading and disuse, why bone loss due to disuse occurs, and how it is the target of skeletal physiology which drives pathological bone loss in conditions that may not be seen as being primarily due to disuse. Fundamentally, if we accept that hypertrophy of bone in response to increased loading is a desirable occurrence, then disuse is not a pathological process, but simply the corollary of adaptation to increased loads. If adaptive processes occur to increase bone mass in response to increased load, then the loss of bone in disuse is the only way that adaptation can fully tune the skeleton to prevailing functional demands when loading is reduced. The mechanisms by which loading and disuse cause bone formation or resorption are the same, although the direction of any changes is different. The osteocyte and osteoblast are the key cells involved in sensing and communicating the need for changes in mass or architecture as a result of changes in experienced loading. However, as those cells are affected by numerous other influences, the responses of bone to loading or disuse are not simple, and alter under different circumstances. Understanding the principles of disuse and loading and the mechanisms underlying them therefore represents an important feature of bone physiology and the search for targets for anabolic therapies for skeletal pathology.

Osteocytes as mechanosensors in the inhibition of bone resorption due to mechanical loading

Bone has the ability to adjust its structure to meet its mechanical environment. The prevailing view of bone mechanobiology is that osteocytes are responsible for detecting and responding to mechanical loading and initiating the bone adaptation process. However, how osteocytes signal effector cells and initiate bone turnover is not well understood. Recent in vitro studies have shown that osteocytes support osteoclast formation and activation when co-cultured with osteoclast precursors. In this study, we examined the osteocytes' role in the mechanical regulation of osteoclast formation and activation. We demonstrated here that (1) mechanical stimulation of MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells decreases their osteoclastogenic-support potential when co-cultured with RAW264.7 monocyte osteoclast precursors; (2) soluble factors released by these mechanically stimulated MLO-Y4 cells inhibit osteoclastogenesis induced by ST2 bone marrow stromal cells or MLO-Y4 cells; and (3) soluble RANKL and OPG were released by MLO-Y4 cells, and the expressions of both were found to be mechanically regulated. Our data suggest that mechanical loading decreases the osteocyte's potential to induce osteoclast formation by direct cell-cell contact. However, it is not clear that osteocytes in vivo are able to form contacts with osteoclast precursors. Our data also demonstrate that mechanically stimulated osteocytes release soluble factors that can inhibit osteoclastogenesis induced by other supporting cells including bone marrow stromal cells. In summary, we conclude that osteocytes may function as mechanotransducers by regulating local osteoclastogenesis via soluble signals.

Oscillating fluid flow activation of gap junction hemichannels induces ATP release from MLO-Y4 osteocytes

Mechanical loads are required for optimal bone mass. One mechanism whereby mechanical loads are transduced into localized cellular signals is strain-induced fluid flow through lacunae and canaliculi of bone. Gap junctions (GJs) between osteocytes and osteoblasts provides a mechanism whereby flow-induced signals are detected by osteocytes and transduced to osteoblasts. We have demonstrated the importance of GJ and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in intracellular calcium and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) increases in response to flow. Unapposed connexons, or hemichannels, are themselves functional and may constitute a novel mechanotransduction mechanism. Using MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts and MLO-Y4 osteocytes, we examined the time course and mechanism of hemichannel activation in response to fluid flow, the composition of the hemichannels, and the role of hemichannels in flow-induced ATP release. We demonstrate that fluid flow activates hemichannels in MLO-Y4, but not MC3T3-E1, through a mechanism involving protein kinase C, which induces ATP and PGE(2) release.

Current perspectives on NMDA-type glutamate signalling in bone

Bone is a complex, evolving tissue, architecturally defined by the activities of osteoclasts and osteoblasts that continually resorb and replace the mineralised matrix. Numerous regulatory mechanisms exist to control bone remodelling and the maintenance of bone mass. The consequences of inappropriate or uncoupled bone resorption and formation are significant and invariably lead to different disease states, the most prevalent being osteoporosis. In recent years, much attention has focused on unravelling the systemic and local signalling interactions that influence the differentiation and function of bone cells with a view to developing our understanding of bone biology and identifying potential new targets for therapeutic intervention. Several lines of evidence indicate that neurotransmitters and neuromodulators have influential roles to play in the regulation of bone remodelling and much of this research has involved analysis of the excitatory amino acid glutamate. This review will summarise current understanding of glutamate signalling in bone cells, addressing specifically the function of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor signalling mechanisms, and will address the functional significance and future prospects for this area of research.