title: Gene therapy approaches for intervertebral disc degeneration.
abstract: METHODS
  Review of the literature concerning the development of gene therapy approaches for the treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To provide an overview of gene therapy principles, summarize the results of completed gene therapy studies, and discuss considerations for the direction of future research.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Intervertebral disc degeneration is characterized by progressive loss of the proteoglycan matrix in the nucleus pulposus. Exogenous growth factors have been shown to transiently increase matrix synthesis. Gene therapy offers exciting potential to induce and sustain endogenous production of growth factors within the intervertebral disc and thus possibly alter the degenerative course.
  
  
  METHODS
  Published and presented scientific literature was examined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Several in vitro and in vivo studies have documented the capacity of gene therapy to favorably modify the biologic functions of intervertebral disc cells with the delivery of the cDNA for various growth factors. Currently, investigators are exploring the efficacy and safety of gene therapy in animal models of degeneration. With promising initial results and an immense potential clinical impact, gene therapy approaches for treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration will continue to receive dedicated research efforts.
authors.affiliation: Ferguson Laboratory for Orthopaedic Research, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Shimer
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Chadderdon
authors.forename: Lars G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Gilbertson
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D006133:Growth Substances