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Solute Transport in the Bone Lacunar-Canalicular System (LCS)

  • Osteocytes (T Bellido and J Klein Nulend, Section Editors)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Solute transport in the lacunar-canalicular system (LCS) plays important roles in osteocyte metabolism and cell-cell signaling. This review will summarize recent studies that establish pericellular matrix (PCM), discovered inside the LCS, as a crucial regulator of solute transport in bone.

Recent Findings

Utilizing confocal imaging and mathematical modeling, recent studies successfully quantified molecular diffusion and convection in the LCS as well as the size-dependent sieving effects of the PCM, leading to the quantification of the effective PCM fiber spacing (10 to 17 nm) in murine adult bones. Perlecan/HSPG2, a large linear proteoglycan, was identified to be an essential PCM component.

Summary

The PCM-filled LCS is bone’s chromatographic column, where fluid/solute transport to and from the osteocytes is regulated. The chemical composition, deposition rate, and turnover rate of the osteocyte PCM should be further defined to better understand osteocyte physiology and bone metabolism.

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  1. Center for Biomechanical Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, 130 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716, USA

    Liyun Wang

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Liyun Wang received grant support from the National Institutes of Health (R01AR054385) and declares no conflict of interest.

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Wang, L. Solute Transport in the Bone Lacunar-Canalicular System (LCS). Curr Osteoporos Rep 16, 32–41 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11914-018-0414-3

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