Bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of previous BMP gene therapy and general gene therapy publications.


OBJECTIVE
To present the potential role of BMP gene therapy for the induction of osteogenesis and spinal fusion.


BACKGROUND
A variety of viral and non-viral techniques have been utilized to insert foreign transgenes into cells, both in vivo and in vitro. These techniques are now being used to transduce cells with a BMP gene to express significant amounts of BMP. This secreted BMP can subsequently stimulate osteogenesis in a variety of locations, including in the paraspinal regions.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis of the literature.


RESULTS
Direct and ex vivo BMP gene therapy has been shown to successfully promote bone healing and regeneration in a variety of animal models. Long-term and regulated transgene expression are clear advantages of BMP gene delivery, compared to direct BMP application. To date, BMP gene delivery with adenoviral vectors have been the most effective approach for stimulating bone induction in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Although BMP gene therapy techniques have significant potential for the treatment of spine pathology, further preclinical and clinical research and development are required before this technology will have direct clinical applications.
Alden
Tord D
TD
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
Varady
Peter
P
Kallmes
David F
DF
Jane
John A
JA
Helm
Gregory A
GA
D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics
D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins