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Functional gap junctions between osteocytic and osteoblastic cells.

C E Yellowley1, Z Li, Z Zhou

  • 1Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.

Journal of Bone and Mineral Research : the Official Journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
|March 7, 2000
PubMed
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Osteocytic cells form functional gap junctions, enabling communication between bone cells. This intercellular communication, involving connexin 43, allows for the transmission of mechanical signals and calcium responses.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Bone Biology
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Osteocytes, embedded within bone matrix, are known to connect via gap junctions.
  • The functionality of these osteocyte gap junctions and their role in intercellular communication remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteocytic cells.
  • To determine if osteocytic cells communicate with osteoblastic cells via functional gap junctions.
  • To assess the role of GJIC in transmitting mechanical signals between bone cells.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a novel murine osteocytic cell line (MLO-Y4) expressing osteocytic markers.
  • Employed dye transfer techniques (Lucifer yellow, calcein) to assess GJIC.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Investigated mechanical signal transduction using calcium imaging (Fura-2) after cell membrane deformation.

    • Main Results:

    • MLO-Y4 cells exhibited osteocytic characteristics and expressed connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein.
    • Lucifer yellow dye transfer confirmed functional GJIC between osteocytic cells.
    • Calcein dye transfer and synchronized calcium signaling demonstrated functional GJIC between osteocytic and osteoblastic cells, including communication of mechanical stimuli.

    Conclusions:

    • Osteocytic MLO-Y4 cells possess functional gap junctions, primarily composed of Cx43.
    • Osteocytic and osteoblastic cells are functionally coupled, facilitating intercellular communication and mechanical signal transduction through GJIC.