Ageing-Related Changes in Ultrastructural Bone Matrix Composition and Osteocyte Mechanosensitivity
摘要
Bone matrix is a multiscale composite material mainly composed of collagen, crystalline apatite mineral, water, and a small amount of non-collagenous proteins. Nested within bone matrix, mechanosensitive osteocytes orchestrate bone adaptation to mechanical loading, which is affected by the ultrastructural composition and mechanical properties of the osteocyte-surrounding bone matrix. In this review, we shed light on the impact of ageing-related modifications in ultrastructural composition of bone matrix on the mechanosensitivity of osteocytes.
Recent FindingsAgeing modulates the ultrastructural composition of bone matrix, such as collagen cross-links, mineral crystal size, microcracks, content of bound water, content and phosphorylation of non-collagenous proteins, and degree of mineralization. These ageing-related modifications alter the mechanical properties of bone matrix, and the biological function of bone, i.e. altered mechanical properties lead to changes in mechanical loading-induced fluid shear stress experienced by osteocytes, which affect osteocyte mechanosensitivity.
SummaryA better understanding of the role of osteocyte mechanosensitivity in bone adaptation to mechanical loading during ageing is crucial. This review highlights the ageing-related changes in the ultrastructural composition and mechanical properties of bone matrix, that might affect the mechanosensitivity of osteocytes. By linking ageing-related changes in the bone matrix to alterations in osteocyte mechanosensitivity, it is assumed that ageing-modulated bone matrix affects bone adaptation to mechanical loading orchestrated by osteocytes. A comprehensive understanding of how age-related changes in bone matrix composition influence osteocyte mechanosensitivity is crucial for explaining the fragility of ageing bone, as osteocytes are the most abundant and mechanosensitive cells in bone tissue.