Perlecan-containing pericellular matrix regulates solute transport and mechanosensing within the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular system.

ABSTRACT: The pericellular matrix (PCM), a thin coating surrounding nearly all mammalian cells, plays a critical role in many cell-surface phenomena. In osteocytes, the PCM is believed to control both "outside-in" (mechanosensing) and "inside-out" (signaling molecule transport) processes. However, the osteocytic PCM is challenging to study in situ because it is thin (∼100 nm) and enclosed in mineralized matrix. To this end, we recently developed a novel tracer velocimetry approach that combined fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) imaging with hydrodynamic modeling to quantify the osteocytic PCM in young murine bone. In this study, we applied the technique to older mice expressing or deficient for perlecan/HSPG2, a large heparan-sulfate proteoglycan normally secreted in osteocytic PCM.

SUBMITTER: Wang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3962519 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature