Mechanosensitivity and mechanotransductive properties of osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are rarely considered as cells that participate in mechanical signaling in bone. We show that osteoclasts are capable of sensing and transmitting mechanical signals to neighboring cells. Mechanical stimulation commonly induces minor repairable membrane injury in osteoclasts. ATP and especially ADP were found to play important roles in the mechanoresponsiveness of osteoclasts. This study highlights the importance of osteoclast mechanobiology especially in conditions of altered mechanical loading associated with bone loss, such as in microgravity.