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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Osteocyte Function and Mechanotransduction - Lacunar-Canalicular Network and Sclerostin

Bone Biology

A research fellow presents on the cellular mechanisms underlying Wolff's Law during a journal club session. She discusses how bone adapts to mechanical loading through the osteocyte network, explaining the role of the lacunar-canalicular system in mechanosensing. The discussion extends to sclerostin, its inhibitory effects on bone formation, and the clinical implications for anti-osteoporosis therapies. An attending asks about the signaling pathways involved in mechanotransduction. Regarding osteocyte function and mechanotransduction:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

OSTEOCYTES are the most abundant bone cells (90-95%), derived from osteoblasts that become embedded ...

B

MECHANOTRANSDUCTION occurs via fluid flow through the LACUNAR-CANALICULAR SYSTEM; mechanical loading...

C

Osteocytes are the LEAST abundant bone cells (5%); they are derived from osteoclasts; they are locat...

D

SCLEROSTIN (SOST gene product) is produced by osteocytes and INHIBITS WNT signaling at the LRP5/6 co...

E

Osteocyte APOPTOSIS releases signals that recruit osteoclasts for TARGETED REMODELING; osteocytes re...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option