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Osteoclastic and Osteoblastic Responses to Hypergravity and Microgravity: Analysis Using Goldfish Scales as a Bone
Tatsuki Yamamoto1, Mika Ikegame2, Yukihiro Furusawa3
1Noto Marine Laboratory, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Housu-gun, Ishikawa 927-0553, Japan.
Zoological Science
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Goldfish scales provide a novel in vitro model to study bone cell responses to altered gravity. This research reveals how hypergravity and microgravity impact osteoclasts and osteoblasts, offering insights into bone adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Skeletal Biology
- Gravitational Biology
- Biomineralization
Background:
- Bone matrix integrity is crucial for responding to gravitational forces.
- Existing models lack the simultaneous presence of bone cells and matrix for accurate analysis.
- Teleost scales offer a unique in vitro system with coexisting osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix layers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an in vitro organ culture system using goldfish scales.
- To investigate the effects of hypergravity and simulated microgravity on bone cells within an intact matrix.
- To analyze cellular and molecular responses of osteoclasts and osteoblasts to gravitational changes.
Main Methods:
- Established in vitro organ culture systems using goldfish scales.
- Applied hypergravity (3G) using a centrifuge and simulated microgravity (g-µG) with a clinostat.
- Analyzed mRNA expression of osteoclastic and osteoblastic markers.
- Performed morphological analysis of osteoclasts.
- Conducted RNA-sequencing and space experiments.
Main Results:
- Hypergravity (3G) decreased osteoclastic and increased osteoblastic marker expression.
- Simulated microgravity (g-µG) increased osteoclastic and decreased osteoblastic marker expression.
- Microgravity induced osteoclastic activation and morphological changes, while hypergravity caused deactivation.
- Space experiments confirmed simulated microgravity findings.
- RNA-sequencing identified Wnt signaling down-regulation as a cause of microgravity-induced osteoclastic activation.
Conclusions:
- Goldfish scales serve as a viable bone model for studying gravity's effects on bone cells.
- The study elucidates distinct cellular responses of osteoclasts and osteoblasts to hypergravity and microgravity.
- Identified Wnt signaling pathway as a key regulator in microgravity-induced bone cell responses.
