Mechanical strain reduces osteoclast recruitment by targeting gene expression

Normal dynamic loading prevents bone resorption; however, the means whereby biophysical factors reduce osteoclast activity is not understood. The authors show here that mechanical strain applied to murine marrow cultures reduced osteoclast formation by 50%. The reduction in osteoclast formation was preceded by decreased stromal cell expression of osteoclast differentiation factor (ODF/TRANCE). Since osteoclast formation is critically dependent upon ODFT/TRANCE expression, a strain-induced reduction in this factor may contribute to reduced osteoclastogenesis.