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Updated: May 1, 2026

A Fluorescent Intravital Imaging Approach to Study Load-Induced Calcium Signaling Dynamics in Mouse Osteocytes
Published on: February 24, 2023
Fluid flow-induced calcium response in osteoclasts: signaling pathways
Ping Li1, Chenglin Liu, Man Hu
1Department of Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, No. 5 South Zhongguancun Street, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
Fluid shear stress (FSS) triggers calcium signaling in osteoclasts, crucial for bone resorption. This study identifies key pathways, including mechanosensitive channels and phospholipase C, involved in this response across different osteoclast differentiation stages.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Mechanobiology
Background:
- Osteoclast intracellular calcium oscillations are vital for bone resorption.
- Previous work showed fluid shear stress (FSS) affects calcium signaling differently in early vs. late osteoclasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the signaling pathways of FSS-induced calcium responses in osteoclasts at various differentiation stages.
- To understand the role of extracellular calcium and ATP in FSS-mediated calcium oscillations.
Main Methods:
- RAW264.7 cells differentiated into osteoclasts using MC3T3-E1 conditioned medium.
- Pharmacological agents used to block specific signaling pathways.
- Osteoclasts exposed to varying FSS levels (1 or 10 dyne/cm²) at different induction days (4 or 8 days).
Main Results:
- Mechanosensitive cation-selective channels, phospholipase C (PLC), and endoplasmic reticulum form the primary pathway for FSS-induced calcium response.
- Extracellular calcium and ATP involvement in calcium oscillation is dependent on FSS magnitude.
- Differences in pathway activation were observed between early and late-stage osteoclasts.
Conclusions:
- Identified a major signaling pathway for mechanical stimulation-induced calcium response in osteoclasts.
- Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of mechanical stress in bone remodeling.
- Highlights the differential response of osteoclasts to FSS based on differentiation stage.
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