The dependences of osteocyte network on bone compartment, age, and disease

Researchers in the US have investigated the impact of disease and aging on the complex network that houses mechanical sensitive bone cells. The interconnected network of spaces and channels within mineralized bone allows bone cells to obtain nutrients from the blood supply and sense external mechanical signals. Identifying changes in this network is important for understanding how bone grows and adapts. Researchers led by Liyun Wang at the University of Delaware, Newark, analysed bone from old and young mice, and bones from mice affected by diabetes or deficiency in the proteoglycan perlecan. They identified network features that are not changed or altered with bone site, age, diabetes, and perlecan deficiency. Their findings help understand how bone cells communicate and the role of bone fluid flow in bone s response to mechanical forces.