From mechanics to mechanomics: a journey through bone

Aging is on the verge of a new era. Humans are approaching old age in unprecedented numbers. Increases in the prevalence of age-related diseases, frailty, and disability are visible signs of this historic demographic shift affecting the incidence and prevalence of osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, there are currently large efforts to develop novel technology allowing 3D imaging of mechanical bone function for better diagnosis of osteoporosis and the early prediction of fractures. Age-related bone loss has also been attributed to the decrease in mechanical usage of the skeleton. Conversely, it has been demonstrated that cyclic mechanical loading results in enhanced bone formation. Thus, a detailed understanding of the mechanobiological processes governing load-regulated bone remodeling down to the single-cell level will help identify new molecular targets for prevention and treatment of bone fractures. The author will take the audience on a journey through bone from mechanics to mechanomics.