Periostin+ myeloid cells improved long bone regeneration in a mechanosensitive manner

Abstract

Myeloid cells are pivotal in the inflammatory and remodeling phases of fracture repair. Here, we investigate the effect of periostin expressed by myeloid cells on bone regeneration in a monocortical tibial defect (MTD) model. In this study, we show that periostin is expressed by periosteal myeloid cells, primarily the M2 macrophages during bone regeneration. Knockout of periostin in myeloid cells reduces cortical bone thickness, disrupts trabecular bone connectivity, impairs repair impairment, and hinders M2 macrophage polarization. Mechanical stimulation is a regulator of periostin in macrophages. By activating transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), it increases periostin expression in macrophages and induces M2 polarization. This mechanosensitive effect also reverses the delayed bone repair induced by periostin deficiency in myeloid cells by strengthening the angiogenesis-osteogenesis coupling. In addition, transplantation of mechanically conditioned macrophages into the periosteum over a bone defect results in substantially enhanced repair, confirming the critical role of macrophage-secreted periostin in bone repair. In summary, our findings suggest that mechanical stimulation regulates periostin expression and promotes M2 macrophage polarization, highlighting the potential of mechanically conditioned macrophages as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing bone repair.