Microgravity induces inhibition of osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization through abrogating primary cilia.

ABSTRACT: It is well documented that microgravity in space environment leads to bone loss in astronauts. These physiological changes have also been validated by human and animal studies and modeled in cell-based analogs. However, the underlying mechanisms are elusive. In the current study, we identified a novel phenomenon that primary cilia (key sensors and functioning organelles) of rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs) gradually shrank and disappeared almost completely after exposure to simulated microgravity generated by a random positioning machine (RPM). Along with the abrogation of primary cilia, the differentiation, maturation and mineralization of ROBs were inhibited. We also found that the disappearance of primary cilia was prevented by treating ROBs with cytochalasin D, but not with LiCl or dyn

SUBMITTER: Shi W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5431935 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature