Signal Transduction Pathways Involved in Mechanotransduction in Osteoblastic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Bone remodeling, a process in adults that maintains bone mass through the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, is regulated by mechanical forces. Mechanical loading promotes osteoblast function by increasing proliferation and differentiation of these cells. The cellular responses underlying this mechanism are termed mechanotransduction. Mechanotransduction involves various signal transduction pathways, including the activation of ion channels and other mechanoreceptors in the membrane of the bone cell, resulting in gene regulation in the nucleus. Identification and functional characterization of the mechanotransduction components may improve bone tissue engineering.