Biomechanical and Bone Material Properties of Schnurri-3 Null Mice

Abstract

Schnurri-3 (Shn3) is an essential regulator of postnatal skeletal remodeling. Shn3-deficient mice (Shn3–/–) have high bone mass; however, their bone mechanical and material properties have not been investigated to date. We performed three-point bending of femora, compression tests of L3 vertebrae. We also measured intrinsic material properties, including bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) and osteocyte lacunae section (OLS) characteristics by quantitative backscatter electron imaging, as well as collagen cross-linking by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy of femora from Shn3–/– and WT mice at different ages (6 weeks, 4 months, and 18 months). Moreover, computer modeling was performed for the interpretation of the BMDD outcomes. Femora and L3 vertebrae from Shn3–/– aged 6 weeks revealed increased ultimate force (2.2- and 3.2-fold, p