Osteocytes and Weightlessness

Osteocytes are considered to be the cells responsible for mastering the remodeling process that follows the exposure to unloading conditions. Given the invasiveness of bone biopsies in humans, both rodents and in vitro culture systems are largely adopted as models for studies in space missions or in simulated microgravity conditions models on Earth.

After a brief recall of the main changes in bone mass and osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities in space-related models, this review focuses on the potential role of osteocytes in directing these changes. The role of the best-known signalling molecules is questioned, in particular in relation to osteocyte apoptosis. The mechanotransduction actors identified in spatial conditions and the problems related to fluid flow and shear stress changes, probably enhanced by the alteration in fluid flow and lack of convection during spaceflight, are recalled and discussed.