Influence of Sclerostin antibody on mechanotransduction in ex vivo osteocytes

The BBL’s ex vivo system can be used to evaluate mechanosensitivity of bone, which may be impaired in bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, or affected by therapeutic interventions. One of the most promising treatments for bone loss is the monoclonal antibody against sclerostin (Scl-Ab), which targets a protein produced primarily by osteocytes. Administration of antibodies to sclerostin has been shown to increase bone mineral density by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption in both animal studies and human clinical trials.

The BBL’s ex vivo system can be used to evaluate mechanosensitivity of bone, which may be impaired in bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, or affected by therapeutic interventions. One of the most promising treatments for bone loss is the monoclonal antibody against sclerostin (Scl-Ab), which targets a protein produced primarily by osteocytes. Administration of antibodies to sclerostin has been shown to increase bone mineral density by increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption in both animal studies and human clinical trials. However, the long-term effect of this treatment on the mechanosensitive properties of osteocytes within a changing microenvironment remains unclear. Thus, we are currently assessing the effect of long-term Scl-Ab treatment on osteocyte mechanosensing as measured by Ca2+ signaling ex vivo.