RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: 

 

Mechanosensing of round versus flat cells-- 3D morphology supports lower bulk elastic properties while exhibiting higher release of signalling molecules in response to stress contrary to highly-adherent morphology.

 

Osteocytic cell under different morphologies (actin-stained and electron microscope image).

 

Experiment diagram for measuring the elastic responses of cells in terms of bulk elasticity and signalling molecule release: A. Optical tweezers for fluid-suspended cells. B & C. Atomic force microscope for substrate-adherent cells. Inset: osteocytic cell with attached colloidal probe. 

 

SM Perren Research Award, 2006: Laudatio: “The Award winning paper by Bacabac and coworkers present a precisely written summary of a well-designed study..." (more)

 

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Experiment FLOW was sent to the International Space Station to test the hypothesis that osteocyte mechanosensing in microgravity environment is decreased.

 

Osteocytes

 Russian Soyuz Space Craft (ESA link)

 

International Space Station (source)(NASA page); (ESA page)

André Kuipers: Dutch cosmonaut

 

Space Expeirment FLOW to the ISS (2004):  "In the bone formation process, certain molecules are responsible for providing an early signal, which make bone cells called osteocytes more sensitive to stress. The specific aim of this research proposal is to test whether the reduction in sensitivity to stress of these bone cells in weightlessness is brought about by a decrease in these early signalling molecules..." (more) ;  (details on DESC site) ; (DELTA mission description); (related publications)