Simulated microgravity environment inhibits matrix mineralization during the osteoblast to osteocyte differentiation.

This study investigates the effects of microgravity on the differentiation and mineralization of IDG-SW3 osteocyte-like cells to understand the response of bone cells to microgravity and develop strategies to mitigate bone loss in astronauts. IDG-SW3 cells were cultured in collagen-coated dishes and subjected to a 3D clinostat to simulate microgravity 14 days after initiating differentiation. The static group remained under normal gravity.