Physiologic Mechanical Stress Directly Induces Bone Formation by Activating Glucose Transporter 1 (Glut 1) in Osteoblasts, Inducing Signaling via NAD+-Dependent Deacetylase (Sirtuin 1) and Runt-Related Transcription Factor 2 (Runx2)

Mechanical stress is an important factor affecting bone tissue homeostasis. We focused on the interactions among mechanical stress, glucose uptake via glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), and the cellular energy sensor sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in osteoblast energy metabolism, since it has been recognized that SIRT1, an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, may function as a master regulator of the mechanical stress response as well as of cellular energy metabolism (glucose metabolism). In addition, it has already been demonstrated that SIRT1 regulates the activity of the osteogenic transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). The effects of mechanical loading on cellular activities and the expressions of Glut1, SIRT1, and Runx2 were evaluated in osteoblasts and chondrocytes in a 3D cell–collagen sponge construct. Compressive mechanical loading increased osteoblast activity. Mechanical loading also significantly increased the expression of Glut1, significantly decreased the expression of SIRT1, and significantly increased the expression of Runx2 in osteoblasts in comparison with non-loaded osteoblasts. Incubation with a Glut1 inhibitor blocked mechanical stress-induced changes in SIRT1 and Runx2 in osteoblasts. In contrast with osteoblasts, the expressions of Glut1, SIRT1, and Runx2 in chondrocytes were not affected by loading. Our present study indicated that mechanical stress induced the upregulation of Glut1 following the downregulation of SIRT1 and the upregulation of Runx2 in osteoblasts but not in chondrocytes. Since SIRT1 is known to negatively regulate Runx2 activity, a mechanical stress-induced downregulation of SIRT1 may lead to the upregulation of Runx2, resulting in osteoblast differentiation. Incubation with a Glut1 inhibitor the blocked mechanical stress-induced downregulation of SIRT1 following the upregulation of Runx2, suggesting that Glut1 is necessary to mediate the responses of SIRT1 and Runx2 to mechanical loading in osteoblasts.