Bone‐muscle crosstalk: more than mechanical (704.3)

Abstract

The intricacy of cell interactions with their microenvironment and their ability to communicate at the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine levels continues to be revealed. Until recently, the musculoskeletal system was believed to be directed primarily by a relationship of proximity and function, dictated in large part by mechanical forces and the work of gravity. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the biomechanical theory of bone‐muscle interaction and to present the substantial evolution in our understanding of bones and muscles as secretory organs; including new evidence from our research labs in support of this biochemical crosstalk between bone and muscle cells. We propose that the mechanical and biochemical modes of interaction between bones and muscles are complementary and interwoven. In fact, we hypothesize that one tissue action might prime the other tissue function, thereby contributing for optimal functional unit. This perspective provides a fertile new venue for bone‐muscle crosstalk exploration, as well as the development of innovative therapies targeting musculoskeletal diseases, which currently afflict nearly 2 billion people worldwide. Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH P01 AG039355‐01‐A1