title: Advances in gene therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gene therapy is a growing concept in many fields of medicine, and its potential applications are numerous. With a growing understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of intervertebral disc degeneration, alternatives to current treatment options are under investigation. Gene therapy offers an exciting new direction in the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration, and potential targets of genetic alteration are being explored.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe and update the recent advances in research on gene therapy for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review of current research for the application of gene therapy as potential treatment for intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There is a growing body of research pertaining to the use of gene therapy as an adjunct or alternative to the current treatment options for intervertebral disc degeneration. In vitro studies have demonstrated that transfer of cDNA encoding growth factors to intervertebral disc cells can favorably modify their metabolic and biological functions. Additionally, initial in vivo studies have demonstrated successful transduction of growth factors to the intervertebral disc with confirmed upregulation of extracellular matrix synthesis. Investigators continue to explore the potential of gene therapy with several factors for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The potential of gene therapy to alter the course of intervertebral disc degeneration holds much clinical promise and continues to stimulate further investigations.
authors.affiliation: Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, PUH C-313, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Chadderdon
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Shimer
authors.forename: Lars G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Gilbertson
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000628:therapy*; D011817:Rabbits; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*