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The “mechanostat” principle in cell differentiation. The osteochondroprogenitor paradigm
Author(s) -
Tyrovola Joanna B.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/jcb.27509
Subject(s) - wnt signaling pathway , crosstalk , cell fate determination , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , cell signaling , notch signaling pathway , cellular differentiation , bone morphogenetic protein , biology , neuroscience , physics , transcription factor , genetics , gene , optics
The “mechanostat” principle may be depicted as an oscillating signal of a signaling molecule, in which the amplitude, frequency, cumulative level, delay, and duration of the curve encode the information for concrete cellular responses and biological activities. When the oscillating signal is kept sustained (present delay), cell exit may be performed, whereas when the oscillating signal remains robust, cell proliferation may take place. B‐catenin–Wnt signaling pathway has a key role in the differentiation of osteochondroprogenitor cells. Sustained downregulation of the β‐catenin–Wnt pathway forces osteochondroprogenitors to a chondrogenic fate instead of an osteoblastic one. Other signaling, for example, bone morphogenetic protein and Notch signaling pathways interact with the Wnt pathway. The crosstalk between biochemical and mechanical stimuli produces the final information that leads to the final cell fate decisions, through the “mechanostat” principle.