Altered extracellular matrix and mechanotransduction gene expression in rat bone tissue following long-term estrogen deficiency

Osteoporosis is primarily associated with bone loss, but changes in bone tissue matrix composition and osteocyte mechanotransduction have also been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes and their relation to bone loss are not fully understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) conduct comprehensive temporal gene expression analyses on cortical bone tissue from ovariectomized rats, with a specific focus on genes known to govern matrix degradation, matrix production, and mechanotransduction, and (2) correlate these findings with bone mass, trabecular microarchitecture and mineral and matrix composition. Microarray data revealed 35 differentially expressed genes in the cortical bone tissue of the ovariectomized cohort. We report that catabolic gene expression abates after the initial accelerated bone loss period, which occurs within the first 4 weeks of estrogen deficiency. However, in long-term estrogen deficiency we report increased expression of genes associated with extracellular matrix deposition (Spp1, COL1A1, COL1A2, OCN) and mechanotransduction (Cx43) compared to age-matched controls and short-term estrogen deficiency. These changes coincided with increased heterogeneity of mineral-matrix ratio and collagen maturity, to which extracellular matrix markers COL1A1 and COL1A2 were positively correlated. Interestingly, mineral heterogeneity and collagen maturity exhibited a negative correlation with PHEX and IFT88, associated with mechanosensory cilia formation and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. This study provides the first insight into the underlying mechanisms governing secondary mineralisation and heterogeneity of matrix composition of bone tissue in long-term estrogen deficiency. We propose that altered mechanobiological responses in long-term estrogen deficiency may play a role in these changes.