Abstract
Although the macroscopic effects of osteoporosis are well known, the cellular cause of this disease has been intensely studied with no definitive results to indicate either the mechanism or cell type responsible for bone deficiencies. Our lab is currently characterizing the mechanical elasticity of bone cells and the method by which they communicate with the other bone cells by using the optical stretcher, a dual beam optical stretcher that allows for the study of individual living cells by controlling the pressure exerted along the major axis of the cell. We have spent the last several years characterizing the stretcher and refining the design to allow for higher throughput and ease of use. In addition, work has been done to measure the elasticity of osteoblast-like cells and red blood cells and members of the lab are now characterizing osteocyte-like cells. We have also developed an apparatus to perform high resolution fluorescence imaging of cells being stretched and have observed changes in Fluo-4 fluorescence, suggesting a change in cell calcium concentration as a result the applied optical force. By monitoring the changing levels of calcium and other common signaling molecules, we hope to elucidate the mechanism by which bone mass is regulated.