Elevated extracellular calcium ions promote proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells via increasing osteopontin expression

Abstract

Bone formation: released calcium could stimulate stem cells Studies with mouse cells and bone samples indicate how calcium ions released during the normal turnover of bone promote the supplementation of stem cells needed to make new bone during routine “remodeling” and regeneration after injury. Our bones are degraded and remodeled continuously, requiring the controlled supplement of stem cells that create bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. Jeong-Tae Koh and colleagues at Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea, exposed the relevant stem cells to increased concentrations of external calcium ions. This promoted cell proliferation and migration that allow the cells to support new bone formation. The research suggests this effect on stem cells may be achieved by calcium ions released directly from bone as it is naturally degraded. The findings may help researchers develop new ways to encourage bone regeneration after injury and surgery.