Tensile mechanical strain up-regulates Runx2 and osteogenic factor expression in human periosteal cells: Implications for distraction osteogenesis

Tensile strain may initiate the differentiation of periosteal cells into osteogenic cells, inducing the expression of Runx2 in the process of bone regeneration. Therefore, the periosteum is profoundly involved in bone formation and regeneration, especially in distraction osteogenesis.