Aim Understanding the response of mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs） to mechanical strain and their consequent gene expression patterns will broaden our knowledge of the mechanobiology of distraction osteogenesis. Methodology In this study, a single period of cyclic mechanical stretch （0.5 Hz, 2,000 με） was performed on rat bone marrow MSCs. Cellular proliferation and alkaline phosphatase （ALP） activity was examined. The mRNA expression of six bone-related genes （Ets-1, bFGF, IGF-Ⅱ, TGF-β, Cbfal and ALP） was detected using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. Results The results showed that mechanical strain can promote MSCs proliferation, increase ALP activity, and up-regulate the expression of these genes. A significant increase in Ets-1 expression was detected immediately after mechanical stimulation, but Cbfal expression became elevated later. The temporal expression pattem of ALP coincided perfectly with Cbfal. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that mechanical strain may act as a stimulator to induce differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts, and that these bone-related genes may play different roles in the response of MSCs to mechanical stimulation.
Meng-chun QiShu-juan ZouLi-chi HanHai-xiao ZhouJing Hu
