Regulation of complex cellular interactions by mechanical forces: mathematical modeling and experimental studies of bone turnover

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One of the main functions of bone is to provide mechanical support for the body. Importantly, bone can adjust its structure to match the physical demands of a body, so that bone mass increases in a physically active person and decreases in an inactive, and especially immobilized person. One of the situations where bone loss due to decrease in physical demand is observed is prolonged space travel. To change the structure of bone tissue, two cell types are employed: osteoclasts that destroy bone and osteoblasts that build bone. Mechanical forces can induce direct changes within osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In addition, mechanical forces can affect the type and amount of soluble molecules produced by bone cells, thus affecting their communications. The objectives of our studies are to examine how mechanical forces affect a) individual bone cells, b) interactions between bone cells of the same type and of different type, and c) subsequent functions of bone cell. In addition to experimental approaches, we will use mathematical modeling to help in our analysis of complex processes induced by mechanical forces within and between bone cells. These studies are important for our overall understanding of bone sensitivity and adaptation to mechanical forces, and may help to overcome bone loss induced by prolonged bed rest and exposure to microgravity.