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Bone Cell Responses to Extracellular Stimuli under Physio-Pathological Conditions

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 January 2024) | Viewed by 3788

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: cellular and molecular biology; structure–activity relationships of metalloenzymes; energy metabolism; antioxidant supplements; bone metabolism

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: proteolytic enzymes in health and disease; degradomics; cell response to microgravity; osteometabolism; mechanobiology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bone organogenesis is a homeostatically controlled process that involves the differentiation and crosstalk of multiple cell types for the formation and remodeling of the skeleton. The unique feature of bone self-renewal is closely dependent on the optimal extracellular environment. Indeed, a cohort of tissue-restricted and systemic factors, including hormones, cytokines, chemokines, and biomechanical stimulation, is intricately involved in preserving bone mass and architecture. Imbalances in the bone microenvironment result in disorders that include osteoporosis, arthritis, and osteosarcoma. Therefore, control of skeletal metabolism and its anabolic stimulation has always fuelled the interest of clinicians and researchers.

This Special Issue aims to provide a broad and updated overview of the biological activity of soluble modulators and extracellular matrix components involved in bone homeostasis and its pathological alterations. A thorough understanding of the interplay and synergism between soluble biochemical osteomodulators and mechanical stimulation under physio-pathological conditions will provide new perspectives for the development of evidence-supported diagnostic tools and novel treatments for bone diseases. We invite you to submit your latest research articles and state-of-the-art reviews that discuss the basic and clinical aspects of the role of extracellular signaling in skeletal homeostasis.

Dr. Chiara Ciaccio
Dr. Magda Gioia
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • extracellular signaling
  • bone homeostasis
  • bone remodeling
  • extracellular matrix
  • osteoporosis
  • arthritis
  • osteosarcoma
  • osteomodulators
  • mechanobiology
  • cellular mechanosensing

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 3358 KiB  
Article
Cyclic Stretch-Induced Mechanical Stress Applied at 1 Hz Frequency Can Alter the Metastatic Potential Properties of SAOS-2 Osteosarcoma Cells
by Giulia Alloisio, David Becerril Rodriguez, Marco Luce, Chiara Ciaccio, Stefano Marini, Antonio Cricenti and Magda Gioia
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 7686; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097686 - 22 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1827
Abstract
Recently, there has been an increasing focus on cellular morphology and mechanical behavior in order to gain a better understanding of the modulation of cell malignancy. This study used uniaxial-stretching technology to select a mechanical regimen able to elevate SAOS-2 cell migration, which [...] Read more.
Recently, there has been an increasing focus on cellular morphology and mechanical behavior in order to gain a better understanding of the modulation of cell malignancy. This study used uniaxial-stretching technology to select a mechanical regimen able to elevate SAOS-2 cell migration, which is crucial in osteosarcoma cell pathology. Using confocal and atomic force microscopy, we demonstrated that a 24 h 0.5% cyclic elongation applied at 1 Hz induces morphological changes in cells. Following mechanical stimulation, the cell area enlarged, developing a more elongated shape, which disrupted the initial nuclear-to-cytoplasm ratio. The peripheral cell surface also increased its roughness. Cell-based biochemical assays and real-time PCR quantification showed that these morphologically induced changes are unrelated to the osteoblastic differentiative grade. Interestingly, two essential cell-motility properties in the modulation of the metastatic process changed following the 24 h 1 Hz mechanical stimulation. These were cell adhesion and cell migration, which, in fact, were dampened and enhanced, respectively. Notably, our results showed that the stretch-induced up-regulation of cell motility occurs through a mechanism that does not depend on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, while the inhibition of ion–stretch channels could counteract it. Overall, our results suggest that further research on mechanobiology could represent an alternative approach for the identification of novel molecular targets of osteosarcoma cell malignancy. Full article
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Review

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40 pages, 2402 KiB  
Review
Multi-Anticancer Activities of Phytoestrogens in Human Osteosarcoma
by Alessio Cimmino, Giovanni Francesco Fasciglione, Magda Gioia, Stefano Marini and Chiara Ciaccio
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(17), 13344; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713344 - 28 Aug 2023
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Abstract
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived bioactive compounds with estrogen-like properties. Their potential health benefits, especially in cancer prevention and treatment, have been a subject of considerable research in the past decade. Phytoestrogens exert their effects, at least in part, through interactions with estrogen receptors (ERs), [...] Read more.
Phytoestrogens are plant-derived bioactive compounds with estrogen-like properties. Their potential health benefits, especially in cancer prevention and treatment, have been a subject of considerable research in the past decade. Phytoestrogens exert their effects, at least in part, through interactions with estrogen receptors (ERs), mimicking or inhibiting the actions of natural estrogens. Recently, there has been growing interest in exploring the impact of phytoestrogens on osteosarcoma (OS), a type of bone malignancy that primarily affects children and young adults and is currently presenting limited treatment options. Considering the critical role of the estrogen/ERs axis in bone development and growth, the modulation of ERs has emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of OS. This review provides an extensive overview of current literature on the effects of phytoestrogens on human OS models. It delves into the multiple mechanisms through which these molecules regulate the cell cycle, apoptosis, and key pathways implicated in the growth and progression of OS, including ER signaling. Moreover, potential interactions between phytoestrogens and conventional chemotherapy agents commonly used in OS treatment will be examined. Understanding the impact of these compounds in OS holds great promise for developing novel therapeutic approaches that can augment current OS treatment modalities. Full article
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