Mechanically induced Ca²⁺ oscillations in osteocytes release extracellular vesicles and enhance bone formation.

ABSTRACT: The vast osteocytic network is believed to orchestrate bone metabolic activity in response to mechanical stimuli through production of sclerostin, RANKL, and osteoprotegerin (OPG). However, the mechanisms of osteocyte mechanotransduction remain poorly understood. We've previously shown that osteocyte mechanosensitivity is encoded through unique intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺) dynamics. Here, by simultaneously monitoring Ca²⁺ and actin dynamics in single cells exposed to fluid shear flow, we detected actin network contractions immediately upon onset of flow-induced Ca²⁺ transients, which were facilitated by smooth muscle myosin and further confirmed in native osteocytes ex vivo. Actomyosin contractions have been linked to the secretion of extracellular vesicles

SUBMITTER: Morrell AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5859015 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature