Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Isolation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Human Alveolar Periosteum and Effects of Vitamin D on Osteogenic Activity of Periosteum-derived Cells
Published on: May 4, 2018
Effects of HA released calcium ion on osteoblast differentiation
Gil-Yong Jung1, Yoon-Jeong Park, Jung-Suk Han
1Interdisciplinary Program for Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 152-742, Korea.
Abstract:
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a widely used calcium phosphate implant substitute and has dissolution property. Although HA has been shown a beneficial effect on osteoblast differentiation, the exact mechanism is still unclear. In the present study, we proposed that Ca(2+) released from HA activated the expression bone associated proteins, OPN and BSP, mediated by L-type calcium channel and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) 2 which resulted into improved osteoblast differentiation. Results showed that HA elevated ALP expression as well as OPN and BSP expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. The result from western blot of CaMK2alpha indicated that HA released Ca(2+) activated CaMK2 through L-type calcium channel. Furthermore, upregulation of OPN and BSP mRNA expression was significantly inhibited when blocking both the L-type calcium channel and CaMK2. These findings suggested that HA accelerated the osteoblast differentiation by releasing Ca(2+).
Related Concept Videos
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis
Bone Remodeling
Feedback Regulation of Calcium Concentration
Various transmembrane receptors, such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), elicit a response to extracellular signals by increasing cytosolic calcium. Activated GPCRs...
Bone Cells and Tissue
Osteoblasts and Osteocytes
The osteoblast is the bone cell responsible for forming new bone tissue. It is found in the growing portions of bone, including the periosteum and...

