Whole Cell Adaptation and Mechanical Behavior

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

0201951 Keaveny Under this Investigator Initiated Award, the investigators will test the theory that cells adapt in a mechanically integrative fashion to become tuned to their mechanical environment. The overall hypothesis is that a cell loaded habitually by high stresses will behave in a stiffer fashion than one loaded by low stresses, but that the cell deformation would be similar for both. The overall hypothesis will be tested by addressing three objectives: 1) develop a technique to measure the force deformation characteristics of whole cells using a modified atomic force microscope and provide a detailed description of the whole cell behavior for various loading conditions; 2) develop constitutive mathematical models of the cell using both phenomenological and micromechanical approaches; and 3) determine the effects of loading history on the mechanical behavior of both osteoblasts and osteocytes, with a focus on mechanical loading that result from both fluid flow (constant versus pulsatile) and bone matrix deformation. Results of the studies will contribute to the advancement of bone adaptation computational models and design of tissue-engineered bone substitutes.