Mechanobiology regulation

Biophysical stimuli are important for musculoskeletal tissue development and regeneration throughout life. In vitro musculoskeletal tissue engineering strategies have sought to manipulate the biophysical environment, through biomaterial properties and extrinsic mechanical loading, to direct cell activity and tissue formation. However, the extent to which strategies have sought to recreate in vivo processes by which mechanobiological factors govern musculoskeletal tissue development has varied, partly because these processes are not widely understood. This chapter highlights recent advances in understanding of mechanobiology regulation of musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, with a specific focus on mechanosensation mechanisms and biochemical and molecular signaling pathways that govern the mechanobiological responses of musculoskeletal cells in vivo and in vitro. This chapter presents computational studies that have sought to understand the cellular mechanical environment and predict specific tissue regeneration outcomes. A perspective is provided regarding the scientific and technical advancements required to further harness the mechanobiological responses of musculoskeletal cells to develop effective tissue regeneration strategies to treat pathologies.