scholarly journals The Osteocyte: From “Prisoner” to “Orchestrator”

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Carla Palumbo ◽  
Marzia Ferretti
Keyword(s):  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
Morphological Aspects ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Mineralized Bone Matrix ◽  
Cell Signaling Pathways

Osteocytes are the most abundant bone cells, entrapped inside the mineralized bone matrix. They derive from osteoblasts through a complex series of morpho-functional modifications; such modifications not only concern the cell shape (from prismatic to dendritic) and location (along the vascular bone surfaces or enclosed inside the lacuno-canalicular cavities, respectively) but also their role in bone processes (secretion/mineralization of preosseous matrix and/or regulation of bone remodeling). Osteocytes are connected with each other by means of different types of junctions, among which the gap junctions enable osteocytes inside the matrix to act in a neuronal-like manner, as a functional syncytium together with the cells placed on the vascular bone surfaces (osteoblasts or bone lining cells), the stromal cells and the endothelial cells, i.e., the bone basic cellular system (BBCS). Within the BBCS, osteocytes can communicate in two ways: by means of volume transmission and wiring transmission, depending on the type of signals (metabolic or mechanical, respectively) received and/or to be forwarded. The capability of osteocytes in maintaining skeletal and mineral homeostasis is due to the fact that it acts as a mechano-sensor, able to transduce mechanical strains into biological signals and to trigger/modulate the bone remodeling, also because of the relevant role of sclerostin secreted by osteocytes, thus regulating different bone cell signaling pathways. The authors want to emphasize that the present review is centered on the morphological aspects of the osteocytes that clearly explain their functional implications and their role as bone orchestrators.

scholarly journals The Development of Molecular Biology of Osteoporosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (15) ◽  
pp. 8182
Author(s):  
Yongguang Gao ◽  
Suryaji Patil ◽  
Jingxian Jia
Keyword(s):  
Bone Resorption ◽  
Molecular Biology ◽  
Bone Formation ◽  
Bone Mass ◽  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
Bone Disorders ◽  
Molecular Aspects

Osteoporosis is one of the major bone disorders that affects both women and men, and causes bone deterioration and bone strength. Bone remodeling maintains bone mass and mineral homeostasis through the balanced action of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone formation and bone resorption, respectively. The imbalance in bone remodeling is known to be the main cause of osteoporosis. The imbalance can be the result of the action of various molecules produced by one bone cell that acts on other bone cells and influence cell activity. The understanding of the effect of these molecules on bone can help identify new targets and therapeutics to prevent and treat bone disorders. In this article, we have focused on molecules that are produced by osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts and their mechanism of action on these cells. We have also summarized the different pharmacological osteoporosis treatments that target different molecular aspects of these bone cells to minimize osteoporosis.

scholarly journals Energy Metabolism of Bone

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 887-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine J. Motyl ◽  
Anyonya R. Guntur ◽  
Adriana Lelis Carvalho ◽  
Clifford J. Rosen
Keyword(s):  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Energy Homeostasis ◽  
Bone Structure ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Blood Calcium ◽  
Micro Cracks ◽  
Intimate Link ◽  
Body Energy

Biological processes utilize energy and therefore must be prioritized based on fuel availability. Bone is no exception to this, and the benefit of remodeling when necessary outweighs the energy costs. Bone remodeling is important for maintaining blood calcium homeostasis, repairing micro cracks and fractures, and modifying bone structure so that it is better suited to withstand loading demands. Osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and osteocytes are the primary cells responsible for bone remodeling, although bone marrow adipocytes and other cells may also play an indirect role. There is a renewed interest in bone cell energetics because of the potential for these processes to be targeted for osteoporosis therapies. In contrast, due to the intimate link between bone and energy homeostasis, pharmaceuticals that treat metabolic disease or have metabolic side effects often have deleterious bone consequences. In this brief review, we will introduce osteoporosis, discuss how bone cells utilize energy to function, evidence for bone regulating whole body energy homeostasis, and some of the unanswered questions and opportunities for further research in the field.

scholarly journals Bone Re/Modeling Is More Dynamic in the Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase(−/−) Mouse

Endocrinology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 147 (9) ◽  
pp. 4392-4399 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Grassi ◽  
X. Fan ◽  
J. Rahnert ◽  
M. N. Weitzmann ◽  
R. Pacifici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Mineral Density ◽  
Bone Maturation ◽  
Basal Bone ◽  
Endothelial Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is a ubiquitous estrogen-regulated signaling molecule that has been implicated in the regulation of bone maturation and remodeling. To better understand the role that bone-cell-secreted nitric oxide plays in ovariectomy-induced modifications of bone turnover, we examined the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in bone cells and bone progenitor cells at regular intervals up to 10 wk after acute estrogen deprivation. Ovariectomy led to an anticipated initial decline in bone cell eNOS production, but surprisingly, 17 d after ovariectomy, eNOS expression by bone and marrow stromal cells dramatically rebounded and was maintained at high levels for at least 10 wk after surgery. We examined the long-term consequences of eNOS in the process of ovariectomy-induced bone loss by prospectively analyzing bone mineral density in wild-type and eNOS(−/−) mice for 10 wk after ovariectomy. Ovariectomized eNOS(−/−) mice were observed to undergo an exaggerated state of estrogen-deficiency-induced bone remodeling compared with wild-type controls, suggesting that eNOS may act to mitigate this process. Furthermore, we found that whereas bone formation in estrogen-replete wild-type mice slowed between 14 and 20 wk of age, eNOS knockout mice continued to accrue basal bone mass at a high rate and showed no sign of entering a remodeling stage. Our data suggest that eNOS may play an important role in limiting ovariectomy-induced bone remodeling as well as regulating the transition from basal modeling to remodeling.

scholarly journals PDGF-AA promotes cell-to-cell communication in osteocytes through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Liu ◽  
Mengmeng Duan ◽  
Daimo Guo ◽  
Shiyi Kan ◽  
L i Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intercellular Communication ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication ◽  
Cx43 Expression ◽  
Mineralized Bone Matrix ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Gap Junctional

Abstract Osteocytes are the main sensitive cells in bone remodeling due to their potent functional cell processes from the mineralized bone matrix to the bone surface and the bone marrow. Neighboring osteocytes communicate with each other by these cell processes to achieve molecular exchange through gap junction channels. Platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) has been reported to enhance bone tissue remodeling by promoting cell proliferation, migration, and autocrine secretion in osteoid cell linage. However, the effect of PDGF-AA on intercellular communication between osteocytes is still unclear. In the present study, we elucidated that PDGF-AA could enhance the formation of dendritic processes of osteocytes and the gap junctional intercellular communication by promoting the expression of connexin43 (Cx43). This modulation process was mainly dependent on the activation of phosphorylation of Akt protein by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (also known as protein kinase B, PKB) signaling. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling decreased the Cx43 expression induced by PDGF-AA. These results establish a bridge between PDGF-AA and cell–cell communication in osteocytes, which could help us understand the molecular exchange between bone cells and fracture healing.

Physiological Levels of Substrate Deformation Are Less Stimulatory to Bone Cells Compared to Fluid Flow

1999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun You ◽  
Clare E. Yellowley ◽  
Henry J. Donahue ◽  
Christopher R. Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Biological Response ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
Osteoblastic Cells ◽  
Physiological Strain ◽  
Substrate Strain

Abstract It is believed that bone cells can sense mechanical loading and alter bone external shape and internal structure to efficiently support the load bearing demands placed upon it. However, the mechanism by which bone cells sense and respond to their mechanical environment is still poorly understood. In particular, the load-induced signals to which bone cells respond, e.g. fluid flow, substrate deformation, electrokinetic effects etc., are unclear. Furthermore, there are few studies focused on the effects of physiological strain (strain < 0.5%, Burr, 1996; Owan, 1997) on bone cells. The goal of this study was to investigate cytosolic Ca2+ mobilization (a very early signaling event) in response to different substrate strains (physiological or supra-physiological strains), and to distinguish the effects of substrate strain from those of fluid flow by applying precisely controlled strain without induced fluid flow. In addition, we quantified the effect of physiologically relevant fluid flow (Cowin, 1995) and substrate stretch on the expression of mRNA for the bone matrix protein osteopontin (OPN). A computer controlled stretch device was employed to apply different substrate strains, 0.1%, 1%, 5% and 10%. A parallel plate flow chamber was used to test cell responses to steady and oscillating flows (20dyn/cm2, 1Hz). Our data demonstrate that physiological strain (< 0.5%) does not induce [Ca2+]i responses in primary rat osteoblastic cells (ROB) in vitro. However, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the number of responding cells at supra-physiological strains of 1, 5, and 10% suggesting that the cells were capable of a biological response. Similar results for human fetal osteoblastic cells (hFOB 1.19) and osteocyte-like cells (ML0-Y4) were obtained. Furthermore, compared to physiological substrate deformation, physiological fluid flow induced greater [Ca2+]i responses for hFOB cells, and these [Ca2+]i responses were quantitatively similar to those obtained for 10% substrate strain. Moreover we found no change in osteopontin mRNA expression after 0.5% strain stretch. Conversely, physiological oscillating flow (20dyn/cm2, 1Hz) caused a significant increase in osteopontin mRNA. These data suggest that, relative to fluid flow, substrate deformation may play less of a role in bone cell mechanotransduction.

Osteocytes Support Hematopoiesis by Altering the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Through Gsα Signaling

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 219-219
Author(s):  
Daniela S. Krause ◽  
Keertik Fulzele ◽  
Kevin Barry ◽  
Sutada Lotinun ◽  
Roland Baron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Myeloid Cells ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Inflammatory Protein ◽  
G Protein Coupled

Abstract Abstract 219 Osteocytes, the most abundant and long living cells of bone embedded in the bone matrix, coordinate bone remodeling by regulating osteoblast and osteoclast activity, at least in part, via G-protein coupled receptor signaling. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts control hematopoiesis primarily by influencing self-renewal, differentiation, and mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells in their endosteal bone niche. A role for osteocytes in hematopoiesis has previously not been demonstrated. We engineered mice lacking Gsα in osteocytes (DMP1-GsαKO) using the Cre-loxP recombination technique. Consistent with the previously established role of osteocytes in regulation of bone remodeling, DMP1-GsαKO mice showed severe osteopenia and a decrease in cortical thickness. The osteopenia in the KO mice was due to a dramatic decrease in osteoblast numbers whereas the number and activity of osteoclasts was unaffected. In addition, DMP1-GsαKO mice displayed hematopoietic abnormalities that resembled a myeloproliferative syndrome (MPS) characterized by leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Myeloid cells were increased in the peripheral blood, bone marrow (BM), and spleen in DMP1-GsαKO mice compared to controls (p<0.01 in blood, BM and spleen, N≥6) as assessed by CBC and immunophenotypical flow cytometry analysis. Lineage- negative c-kit-positive and Sca-1+ (LKS) cells and LKS CD150-positive CD48-negative (LKS SLAM) cells were significantly increased in DMP1-GsαKO spleen compared to controls whereas there was no change in the bone marrow suggesting mobilization from the bone marrow in mutant mice. Surprisingly, the number of colonies formed in in-vitro methylcellulose assays from BM cells from DMP1-GsαKO mice were not changed indicating the requirement of the bone microenvironment to induce MPS. Co-culture of osteocyte-enriched bone explants from DMP1-GsαKO mice with control BM cells significantly increased the number of colonies compared to control explants. Transplantation of BM from control to DMP1-GsαKO mice rapidly recapitulated the MPS whereas converse transplantation completely normalized the hematopoietic abnormality. Protein expression of CXCL2 (macrophage inflammatory protein 2 alpha; MIP2-alpha), a chemotactic cytokine known to mobilize hematopoietic stem and myeloid cells, was markedly increased in Gsa deficient osteocytes as assessed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, CXCL2 secretion in conditioned media from osteocyte explants cultures was also increased 3-fold in Gsa deficient osteocytes as compared to controls. In summary, our results represent the first evidence for osteocyte-mediated regulation of hematopoiesis via Gsα-signaling-induced alteration of the BM microenvironment, possibly through CXCL2 signaling. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Biological buffered saline solution as solvent in agar-carbomer hydrogel synthesis

2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Filippo Rossi ◽  
Giuseppe Perale ◽  
Maurizio Masi
Keyword(s):  
Regenerative Medicine ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Latency Period ◽  
Buffer Solution ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Hydrogel Synthesis ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Fine Control

AbstractThe role of phosphate buffer saline solution (PBS) was investigated here as a solvent in the polycondensation synthesis of an injectable agar-carbomer based hydrogel, a promising new material specifically intended for regenerative medicine applications. The effects of PBS, with respect to standard distilled water (DW), were quantitatively assessed. Experiments were performed both from physico-chemical and biological points of view. Titration showed higher stability due to the presence of the buffer solution; ESEM analysis confirmed its distribution along the polymeric fibers and infrared spectroscopy showed the consequent anionic nature of the polymeric network. This electrostatic nature of the matrix was confirmed by mass equilibrium swelling data performed at different pH values of the swelling medium. A very relevant role of the solvent was observed also with respect to cell housing inside such hydrogels: living cell counts showed a high amount of cells surviving the latency period of encapsulation in hydrogel when PBS was applied while only very few survived in a deionized water based gel. Obtained data allowed a novel understanding of the causeeffect cascades of all observed phenomena which suggest the PBS fundamental role both in fine control of hydrogel preparation and in material tuning according to the specific needs of different target tissues; the latter being a feature of primary importance when applying hydrogels as cell carriers in regenerative medicine applications.

scholarly journals The roles of osteocytes in alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofei Huang ◽  
Mengru Xie ◽  
Yanling Xie ◽  
Feng Mei ◽  
Xiaofeng Lu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Bone Remodeling ◽  
Alveolar Bone ◽  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
Alveolar Bone Loss ◽  
Receptor Activator ◽  
Local Destruction ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

AbstractPeriodontitis, a bacterium-induced inflammatory disease that is characterized by alveolar bone loss, is highly prevalent worldwide. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of alveolar bone loss in periodontitis is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis. Classically, bone cells, such as osteoclasts, osteoblasts and bone marrow stromal cells, are thought to dominate the development of bone destruction in periodontitis. Recently, osteocytes, the cells embedded in the mineral matrix, have gained attention. This review demonstrates the key contributing role of osteocytes in periodontitis, especially in alveolar bone loss. Osteocytes not only initiate physiological bone remodeling but also assist in inflammation-related changes in bone remodeling. The latest evidence suggests that osteocytes are involved in regulating bone anabolism and catabolism in the progression of periodontitis. The altered secretion of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) by osteocytes affects the balance of bone resorption and formation and promotes bone loss. In addition, the accumulation of prematurely senescent and apoptotic osteocytes observed in alveolar bone may exacerbate local destruction. Based on their communication with the bloodstream, it is noteworthy that osteocytes may participate in the interaction between local periodontitis lesions and systemic diseases. Overall, further investigations of osteocytes may provide vital insights that improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of periodontitis.

scholarly journals Targeted Ptpn11 deletion in mice reveals the essential role of SHP2 in osteoblast differentiation and skeletal homeostasis

Bone Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lijun Wang ◽  
Huiliang Yang ◽  
Jiahui Huang ◽  
Shaopeng Pei ◽  
Liyun Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Cells ◽  
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Bone Cell ◽  
Signaling Proteins ◽  
Tubular Bone ◽  
Skeletal Homeostasis ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe maturation and function of osteoblasts (OBs) rely heavily on the reversible phosphorylation of signaling proteins. To date, most of the work in OBs has focused on phosphorylation by tyrosyl kinases, but little has been revealed about dephosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases). SHP2 (encoded by PTPN11) is a ubiquitously expressed PTPase. PTPN11 mutations are associated with both bone and cartilage manifestations in patients with Noonan syndrome (NS) and metachondromatosis (MC), although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we report that SHP2 deletion in bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein-expressing (Bglap+) bone cells leads to massive osteopenia in both trabecular and cortical bones due to the failure of bone cell maturation and enhanced osteoclast activity, and its deletion in Bglap+ chondrocytes results in the onset of enchondroma and osteochondroma in aged mice with increased tubular bone length. Mechanistically, SHP2 was found to be required for osteoblastic differentiation by promoting RUNX2/OSTERIX signaling and for the suppression of osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting STAT3-mediated RANKL production by osteoblasts and osteocytes. These findings are likely to explain the compromised skeletal system in NS and MC patients and to inform the development of novel therapeutics to combat skeletal disorders.

The Osteocyte as a Signaling Cell

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesus Medical Delgado-Calle ◽  
Teresita Bellido
Keyword(s):  
Bone Cells ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Bone Diseases ◽  
Bone Homeostasis ◽  
Marrow Fat ◽  
Effector Cells ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Mineralized Bone Matrix ◽  
And Function ◽  
Endocrine Signaling

Osteocytes, former osteoblasts encapsulated by mineralized bone matrix, are far from being passive and metabolically inactive bone cells. Instead, osteocytes are multifunctional and dynamic cells capable of integrating hormonal and mechanical signals and transmitting them to effector cells in bone as well as in distant tissues. Osteocytes are a significant source of molecules that regulate bone homeostasis by integrating mechanical cues and hormonal signals that coordinate the differentiation and function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Osteocyte function is altered in rare and common bone diseases, suggesting that osteocyte dysfunction is directly involved in the pathophysiology of disorders affecting the skeleton. Advances in osteocyte biology initiated the development of novel therapeutics interfering with osteocyte secreted molecules. Moreover, osteocytes are targets and key distributors of biological signals mediating the beneficial effects of various bone therapeutics used in the clinic. Herein, we review the most recent discoveries in osteocyte biology demonstrating that osteocytes regulate bone homeostasis and bone marrow fat via paracrine signaling, influence body composition and energy metabolism via endocrine signaling, and contribute to the damaging effects of diabetes mellitus and hematological and metastatic cancers in the skeleton.

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