Connexin 43 and cell culture substrate differentially regulate OCY454 osteocytic differentiation and signaling to primary bone cells.

Connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominate gap junction protein in bone, is essential for intercellular communication and skeletal homeostasis. Previous work suggests that osteocyte-specific deletion of Cx43 leads to increased bone formation and resorption; however, the cell-autonomous role of osteocytic Cx43 in promoting increased bone remodeling is unknown. Recent studies using three-dimensional (3D) culture substrates in OCY454 cells suggest that 3D cultures may offer increased bone remodeling factor expression and secretion, such as sclerostin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL).

Connexin 43 and Cell Culture Substrate Differentially Regulate OCY454 Osteocytic Differentiation and Signaling to Primary Bone Cells.

Unlabelled: Connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominate gap junction protein in bone, is essential for intercellular communication and skeletal homeostasis. Previous work suggests osteocyte-specific deletion of Cx43 leads to increased bone formation and resorption, however the cell-autonomous role of osteocytic Cx43 in promoting increased bone remodeling is unknown. Recent studies using 3D culture substrates in OCY454 cells suggest 3D cultures may offer increased bone remodeling factor expression and secretion, such as sclerostin and RANKL.

Inhibition of focal adhesion turnover prevents osteoblastic differentiation through β-catenin mediated transduction of pro-osteogenic substrate.

The mechanism by which substrate surface characteristics are transduced by osteoblastic cells and their progenitors is not fully known. Data from previous studies by our group suggest the involvement of β-catenin in the mechanism by which substrate surface characteristics are transduced. This focal adhesion and β-catenin mediated mechanism functions through the liberation of β-catenin from focal adhesion complexes in response to pro-osteogenic substrate (POS) characteristics.

Update on the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system.

With the reignited push for manned spaceflight and the development of companies focused on commercializing spaceflight, increased human ventures into space are inevitable. However, this venture would not be without risk. The lower gravitational force, known as microgravity, that would be experienced during spaceflight significantly disrupts many physiological systems.

Effect of carbonated hydroxyapatite submicron particles size on osteoblastic differentiation.

Synthetic biomimetic carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) has shown significant promise in bone tissue engineering for its mechanical and chemical biocompatibility and osteogenic potential. Variations in the size of hydroxyapatite particles have also been shown to contribute to the hydroxyapatite's osteogenic success. However, synthesizing biomimetic CHA with optimal osteogenic properties using a simple synthesis methodology to make highly reproducible, biomimetic, and osteogenic CHA has not been evaluated fully.

Hydroxyapatite Particle Density Regulates Osteoblastic Differentiation Through β-Catenin Translocation.

Substrate surface characteristics such as roughness, wettability and particle density are well-known contributors of a substrate's overall osteogenic potential. These characteristics are known to regulate cell mechanics as well as induce changes in cell stiffness, cell adhesions, and cytoskeletal structure. Pro-osteogenic particles, such as hydroxyapatite, are often incorporated into a substrate to enhance the substrates osteogenic potential.