Exploring complex cellular interactions: mathematical modeling and experimental studies of bone turnover

基本原理：骨的力学性能取决于骨重建的过程，该过程涉及破骨细胞的吸收，然后由成骨细胞组织成骨多细胞单位（BMU）形成新骨。骨重建受局部和全身生化因素的调节。机械力也调节骨细胞的活性并引导BMU运动。骨细胞对机械力的反应包括骨细胞内变形诱导的变化，以及调节细胞间通讯的可溶性因子（如ATP）产生的改变。我计划的目标是了解机械力如何调节骨细胞的即时活动及其执行生理功能的能力，以及单个细胞的物理环境如何整合到骨作为器官的性能中。

RATIONALE: Bone mechanical properties depend on the process of bone remodeling, which involves resorption by osteoclasts, followed by formation of new bone by osteoblasts organized in Bone Multicellular Units (BMUs). Bone remodeling is regulated by local and systemic biochemical factors. Mechanical forces also regulate the activity of the bone cells and guide BMU movement. The responses of bone cells to mechanical forces involve deformation-induced changes within bone cells, and alterations in the production of soluble factors, such as ATP, that regulate cell-cell communications. The goal of my program is to understand how mechanical forces regulate bone cells immediate activity and their ability to perform physiological function, and how physical environment of individual cells is integrated in the performance of bone as an organ.