One load to rule them all: mechanical control of the musculoskeletal system in development and aging.

The musculoskeletal system functions because of the precise and coordinated assembly of its components, namely bones and joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. This coordination requires cross-talk between the tissues, which is mediated by various molecular and mechanical cues. In this review, we summarize the progress that has been made in understanding the involvement of mechanical loads exerted by the musculature in the development of skeletal and tendinous tissues, in their integration into one functional unit and in the maintenance of this system. In addition, we discuss the possible role of muscle load in aging and propose new directions for future studies of the musculoskeletal system.