osteocitë

Osteocyte is a type of cell found in the substance of bone. It has a specialized form and is encased within a lacuna, which is a small space or depression in the bone matrix. Osteocytes are derived from osteoblasts and reside in the mineralized matrix of bone, where they maintain communication with one another and with cells on the bone surface through extensions called canaliculi.

Osteocytes play a crucial role in bone remodeling and adaptation to mechanical stress. They contain a system for monitoring mechanical signals, known as the mechanosensing system, which allows them to detect changes in the local environment. They can respond to these changes by altering their expression of genes involved in bone remodelling, aligning the bone structure to optimize its strength and stability.

Research has shown that osteocytes can regulate bone resorption by producing RANKL, and they can also control bone formation by producing sclerostin. In addition, osteocytes interact with cells on the bone surface, known as osteoblasts and osteoclasts, to regulate the exchange of nutrients, waste and other substances. They also interact with their neighboring osteocytes through gap junctions, which facilitate the exchange of molecules and ions.

Damage to the bone tissue results in changes to the behavior of osteocytes, which can lead to the development of bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Diseases affecting the sensitivity of osteocytes to mechanical forces, such as Paget's disease, also highlight the importance of this specialized type of cell to bone health.