Murine spinal fusion induced by engineered mesenchymal stem cells that conditionally express bone morphogenetic protein—2

• DOI: 10.3171/spi.2005.3.1.0047
• Publication Date: 2009-05-07T16:03:46Z
• Authors: Amir Hasharoni; Yoram Zilberman; Gadi Turgeman; Gregory A. Helm; Meir Liebergall; Dan Gazit
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; Mice, Inbred C3H; Time Factors; Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Spinal Fusion; Osteogenesis; Transforming Growth Factor beta; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; Models, Animal; Animals; Feasibility Studies; Female; Genetic Engineering

The authors hypothesized that spinal fusion can be achieved and monitored by using cell-mediated gene therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) genetically engineered to express recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) conditionally, were implanted into the paraspinal muscles of mice establish fusion. goal was demonstrate an MSC-based therapy platform in which controlled expression is used obtain a murine model.Mesenchymal expressing rhBMP-2 injected paravertebral muscle mice. Bone formation region longitudinally followed performing micro-computerized tomography scanning, histological studies, analysis osteocalcin presence engrafted MSCs. minimal period MSCs required induce determined. results this study areas adjacent touching posterior elements spine. This newly formed fuses spine, as demonstrated radiological studies. active osteogenesis at site implantation for up 4 weeks postinjection. They found 7-day induction sufficient form new tissue, although quantity increased longer periods implemented.After their injection efficiently mouse extent controlling duration expression.