Mechanical loading modulates intracellular calcium signaling in human mesenchymal stem cells

Campbell, J.J., Bader, D.L. and Lee, D.A. (2008) Mechanical loading modulates intracellular calcium signaling in human mesenchymal stem cells. Journal of Applied Biomaterials & Biomechanics, 6 (1), 9-15. (PMID:20740441)

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for tissue-engineered connective tissue repair strategies. Additionally, increasing evidence confirms the role of the mechanical environment in maintaining tissue homeostasis, with calcium signaling implicated as a mediator in mechanotransduction pathways. Spontaneous intracellular calcium signaling was observed in a subset of MSCs embedded within 4% alginate hydrogel constructs, measured by a Ca2+ indicator fluo-4 in conjunction with confocal laser-scanning microscopy. By the use of pair-wise analysis, it was shown that distinct populations of MSCs up-regulated and down-regulated the frequency of calcium transients with the application of a 20% static uniaxial compressive strain of 20 min duration, delivered after a 20 min unstrained period. Calcium transients in control specimens were monitored throughout two unstrained 20 min periods. These values were statistically significant (p<0.05) by ?2 test of independence. This dual-response indicator highlights the heterogeneous nature of MSC populations, which may have important implications for their successful use in cell therapies. (Journal of Applied Biomaterials &Biomechanics 2008; 6: 9-15)

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