Abstract:Objective To identify the differentially expressed proteins and clarify the major proteins involved in the molecular mechanism of osteoblasts under mechanical strain loading. Method Saos2 osteoblastic cells were subjected to 12% elongation for 24 hours by using Flexcell strain loading system. Proteins extracted from Saos2 cells were separated by twodimensional electrophoresis (2DE). Differential expressed protein spots among groups were submitted to matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDITOF MS) assay and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) identification. The SwissProt and NCBI databases were used to obtain further information about proteins identified. Results Saos2 stimulated by mechanical strain showed a significant difference in 2DE system compared with the control group. A total of (1031±41) or (928±25) protein spots were resolved by 2DE of controls or experimental groups extractions respectively. 17 significant up regulated proteins were identified. These associated proteins fell into 6 groups, including stress reaction, energy metabolism, cell proliferation, reconstruction of cytoskeleton, signaling and osteogenesis. Conclusions The Saos2 can express differential proteins stimulated by mechanical strains and these proteins may play an important role in molecular mechanism of osteoblasts under mechanical strain loading.