Mesenchymal stem cells as mechanosensor – Publicly Invited Research 2018－2019

  1. A01 Ogura
  2. A01 H. Takahashi
  3. A01 S. Takahashi
  4. A01 Michiue
  5. A01 Hinoi
  6. A01 Tsumoto
  7. A01 Nikawa
  8. A01 Chatani
  9. A01 Kawakami
  10. A01 Akiyama
  11. A01 Tomita
  1. A02 Shinohara
  2. A02 Mieda
  3. A02 Maekawa
  4. A02 Abe
  5. A02 Ohgami
  6. A02 Kawano
  7. A02 Takano
  1. A03 Suzuki
  2. A03 Nakamura
  3. A03 Harada
  4. A03 Kobayashi
  5. A03 Miyamoto
  6. A03 Funayama
  7. A03 Kakinuma
  1. B01 Lazarus
  2. B01 Kato
  3. B01 Kunieda
  4. B01 Kitaya
  5. B01 Sawano
Research Subject Mesenchymal stem cells as mechanosensor
Research Group Leader
name

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are supply sources of osteoblasts and chondrocytes in bone tissue. In addition, they are involved in regulating the function of hematopoietic SCs and blood cells as niche cells. Astronauts and long-term bedridden patients without gravity stimulation to the bones exhibit a sharp decrease in bone mass and a decline in immune function; these can be prevented by mechanical load such as through exercise. Bone cells in bone tissue control bone formation by osteoblasts and B cell production in the bone marrow as the mechanosensors that sense gravity and exercise stimulation. In recent years, an association between the characteristics of MSCs and changes in gravity environment has been reported; however, the role of MSCs in dysfunction caused by microgravity environments remains unexplained.

In this study, we aimed to determine whether MSCs play an important role in maintaining homeostasis in a gravity-fluctuating environment and to propose a new concept of MSC as a mechanosensor. In addition, we aimed to identify new sensor cells that are responsible for bone loss and immune abnormalities, which could aid in (1) maintaining the bone health and immunity of astronauts during prolonged time in space and (2) developing novel therapeutic methods for age-related osteoporosis and immune abnormalities.