Mechanotransduction in stretched osteocytes--temporal expression of immediate early and other genes

Osteocytes, dendritic bone cells, transduce signals of mechanical loading that results in bone formation. We have reported in stretched primary osteocytes that the cAMP level, IGF-I and osteocalcin protein levels were elevated (Endocrinology 137:2028, 1996). Here we report that stretching induces the expression of immediate early genes, c-fos, and COX-2; inducive cyclooxygenase gene. Compared to c-fos, COX-2 as well as IGF-I and osteocalcin mRNA appeared in a biphasic manner; second peaks at 8 (COX-2) or 24 hrs (IGF-I and osteocalcin) later. Furthermore, these second peaks are abolished by including NS398, a specific inhibitor of the inducive cyclooxygenase, during the 3-hr stretching. A sequence that the calcium influx activates PkA which, in turn, activates c-fos and COX-2 transcription resulting in the production of proteins such as IGF-I and osteocalcin. A long-lasting effect of mechanical loading in vivo can be explained from the secondary anabolic reaction we observed through the upregulated COX-2 mRNA.