Differential expression of microRNAs in osteocyte in response to fluid shear stress. Mus musculus

Skeletal responses to loading and unloading are tightly calibrated by the mechanosensory function of osteocytes. While it is known that several molecular signaling pathways participate in mediating mechanotransduction, how these distinct molecular networks converge to fine-tune osteocyte responses remains elusive. Since, microRNAs (miRs), are known to post-transcriptionally regulate multiple signaling cascades simultaneously, we aimed to identify mechanosensitive miRs in osteocytes. In this study, using an unbiased small RNA-seq, we detected miR transcriptional changes in OCY454 osteocyte-like cells subjected to fluid shear stress (FSS, 10 dyne/cm2, 2-hours), a critical cue experienced by osteocytes during bone loading. Control (non-flow, static) cells were grown in identical conditions but not stimulated with FSS.