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3D Interrelationship between Osteocyte Network and Forming Mineral during Human Bone Remodeling
Mahdi Ayoubi1,2, Alexander F van Tol1,2, Richard Weinkamer1
1Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, 14476, Germany.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|May 8, 2021
Summary
Osteocytes within the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) influence bone mineralization by releasing precursors and inhibitors. This process creates a mineral-free zone around canaliculi, guiding osteoid formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Bone Biology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Osteoblasts deposit osteoid, which undergoes mineralization.
- Osteocytes reside within the lacuno-canalicular network (LCN) in bone.
- The role of osteocytes in osteoid mineralization remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of osteocytes in the mineralization of osteoid.
- To visualize mineral distribution at the LCN level during bone formation.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional imaging of forming human osteons using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM).
- Analysis of mineral concentration gradients within osteons and around the LCN.
Main Results:
- Mineral concentration increases from the Haversian canal towards mineralized bone.
- A mineral-free zone is observed around the LCN, decreasing in size as mineralization progresses.
- Mineral distribution suggests control by precursor and inhibitor diffusion from the LCN.
Conclusions:
- The LCN plays a crucial role in controlling bone mineralization.
- Osteocyte-mediated release of precursors and inhibitors, not just diffusion, regulates mineral formation around canaliculi.
Keywords:
FIB-SEM tomographybiomineralizationbone remodelingiodine vapor staininglacunocanalicular network (LCN)mineralization fociMore Related Videos
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