3D finite element analysis of the effect of cytoskeleton crosslinking on osteocyte mechanical transmission based on tensegrity model.

The cytoskeleton mediates osteocyte responses to fluid shear stress from matrix deformation. Under simulated microgravity, cytoskeleton depolymerizes, while Spectrin-MS provides compensatory structural support. We modeled osteocytes with zero to three crosslinking levels under 1.5 Pa shear. Increased crosslinking raised membrane displacement (+2.60%) and stress (+20.71%), but reduced nuclear displacement (-12.93%) and stress (-10.86%). Cytoskeleton displacement and stress decreased with more crosslinking, whereas Spectrin-MS compensated. Crosslinking alters the intracellular mechanical environment, with Spectrin-MS playing a compensatory role, enhancing understanding of osteocyte mechanosensitivity. .