Matrix Viscoelasticity Orchestrates Osteogenesis via Mechanotransduction Mediated Metabolic Switch in Macrophages.

ABSTRACT: Understanding the interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanics and macrophage cellular processes is crucial for bone regeneration. While ECM stiffness has been extensively studied, the role of ECM viscoelasticity (e.g., stress relaxation) in the bone marrow niche and its effects on macrophage function remain unclear. Here, this study reveals how matrix viscoelasticity orchestrates osteogenesis by modulating macrophage metabolism through vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) / hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) signaling. In the rapid maxillary expansion (RME) model, significant stress relaxation occurs in regenerated bone marrow during the initial 17 days, coinciding with increased transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1⁺) F4/80+ macrophages. Fast stress

SUBMITTER: Tao D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12023826 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature