Enhancement of ectopic bone formation by bone morphogenetic protein-2 released from a heparin-conjugated poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffold

In this study, a heparin-conjugated poly(l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (HP-PLGA) scaffold was developed for the sustained delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and then used to address the hypothesis that BMP-2 delivered from this scaffold could enhance ectopic bone formation. We found the amount of heparin conjugated to the PLGA scaffolds could be increased up to 3.2-fold by using scaffolds made from star-shaped PLGA, as compared to scaffolds made from linear PLGA, and that the release of BMP-2 from the HP-PLGA scaffold was sustained for at least 14 days in vitro. The BMP-2 released from the HP-PLGA scaffold stimulated an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of osteoblasts for 14 days in vitro, suggesting that the HP-PLGA scaffold delivery system releases BMP-2 in a bioactive form for a prolonged period. By contrast, BMP-2 release from unmodified (no heparin) PLGA scaffolds induced a transient increase in ALP activity for the first 3 days and a decrease thereafter. In vivo bone formation studies showed the BMP-2-loaded HP-PLGA scaffolds induced bone formation to a much greater extent than did either BMP-2-loaded unmodified PLGA scaffolds or unloaded (no BMP-2) HP-PLGA scaffolds, with 9-fold greater bone formation area and 4-fold greater calcium content in the BMP-2-loaded HP-PLGA scaffold group compared to the BMP-2-loaded unmodified PLGA scaffold group. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the HP-PLGA delivery system is capable of potentiating the osteogenic efficacy of BMP-2, and underscore its importance as a possible bone regeneration strategy.     

Enhancement of osteogenesis by poly(lactide-co-glycolide) sponges loaded with surface-embedded hydroxyapatite particles and rhBMP-2

The bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded on [poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, and "s" stands for surface] (PLGA/HA-S), PLGA/HA-M (containing the same HA amount in the matrix as that of the PLGA/HA-S and "m" stands for matrix), and PLGA scaffolds, which were then cultured in a medium-containing Escherichia coli-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2). In vitro culture of rat BMSCs found no different cell morphology in all the scaffolds, but the alkaline phosphatase activity and osteogenic gene expression of type I collagen (COL I) and osteocalcin (OCN) in the PLGA/HA-S scaffolds were always highest and were significantly improved in comparison with those in the PLGA scaffolds. In a rat calvarial defect model, new bone formation was enhanced in the PLGA/HA-S/ErhBMP-2 implants at 4 and 8 weeks after implantation too. Therefore, the PLGA/HA-S scaffold can better enhance the ErhBMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and osteogenesis in vivo.     

Comparative study of osteogenic potential of a composite scaffold incorporating either endogenous bone morphogenetic protein-2 or exogenous phytomolecule icaritin: an in vitro efficacy study

A local delivery system with sustained and efficient release of therapeutic agents from an appropriate carrier is desirable for orthopedic applications. Novel composite scaffolds made of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) with tricalcium phosphate (PLGA/TCP) were fabricated by an advanced low-temperature rapid prototyping technique, which incorporated either endogenous bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) (PLGA/TCP/BMP-2) or phytomolecule icaritin (ICT) (PLGA/TCP/ICT) at low, middle and high doses. PLGA/TCP served as control. In vitro degradation, osteogenesis and release tests showed statistical differences among PLGA/TCP/ICT, PLGA/TCP and PLGA/TCP/BMP-2 groups, where PLGA/TCP/ICT had the desired slow release of bioactive icaritin in a dose-dependent manner, whereas there was almost no BMP-2 release from the PLGA/TCP/BMP-2 scaffolds. PLGA/TCP/ICT significantly increased more ALP activity, upregulated mRNA expression of osteogenic genes and enhanced calcium deposition and mineralization in rabbit bone marrow stem cells cultured on scaffolds compared with the other two groups. These results indicate the desired degradation rate, osteogenic capability and release property in PLGA/TCP/ICT composite scaffold, as icaritin preserved its bioactivity and structure after incorporation, while PLGA/TCP/BMP-2 did not show an initially expected osteogenic potential, owing to loss of the original bioactivity of BMP-2 during its incorporation and fabrication procedure. The results suggest that PLGA/TCP composite scaffolds incorporating osteogenic ICT might be a promising approach for bone tissue bioengineering and regeneration.     

In vivo osteogenic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells/poly lactide-co-glycolic acid constructs for bone regeneration in a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model

Recent studies suggest that human adipose tissue contains pluripotent stem cells, which are similar to bone marrow-derived stem cells. The objective of the present study was to assess the effect in bone regenerating capability of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) cultured in osteogenic media layered over poly lactide-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and implanted in a critical nude rat calvarial defect. Twenty-seven nude rats were randomized into 3 groups (n = 9): 1) PLGA alone (control), 2) PLGA with undifferentiated ADSCs, and 3) PLGA with differentiated ADSCs. These 3 groups were divided into 9 subgroups (n = 3) according to in vitro pre-cultured periods (day 1 pre-culture (Group1), day 7 pre-culture (Group2), and day 14 pre-culture (Group3)) before implantation. An 8 mm critical-size circular calvarial defect was made in each nude rat. Specimens were harvested at 12 weeks post-implantation and evaluated radiographically and histologically. Radiodensitometric analysis revealed significantly higher bone growth in implants pre-cultured in osteogenic media for 14 days for Group 3. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that Groups 2 and 3 had bone formation filling 35% to 72% of the area of the defect after transplantation with cells that had been pre-cultured for 14 days. Constructs with differentiated ADSCs (Group 3) had noticeably more maximal and robust bone tissue regeneration than constructs with undifferentiated ADSCs (Group 2). These data provide evidence that constructs or implants made of PLGA and osteogenically differentiated ADSCs pre-cultured for 14 days before transplantation have better, more-robust bone regeneration capability in critical-sized skeletal defects than constructs with undifferentiated ADSCs. Human adipose derived stem cells can therefore be used as seed cells to construct tissue-engineered bone.     

Segmental bone regeneration using an rhBMP-2-loaded gelatin/nanohydroxyapatite/fibrin scaffold in a rabbit model

We aimed to develop a hybrid scaffold with a porous structure and similar composition as natural bone for the controlled release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) to enhance bone regeneration. We fabricated a gelatin/nanohydroxypatite (nHAP) scaffold by glutaraldehyde chemical cross-linking a gelatin aqueous solution with nHAP granules at a 5:1 ratio (v/w). Then, fibrin glue (FG) mixed with recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) was infused into the gelatin/nHAP scaffold and lyophilized to develop an rhBMP-2-loaded gelatin/nHAP/FG scaffold. On scanning electron microscopy, the composite had a 3-D porous structure. The rhBMP-2 release kinetics from the hybrid scaffold was sustained and slow, and release of rhBMP-2 was complete at 40 days. Immunohistochemistry, azo-coupling and alizarin S-red staining were used to study in vitro differentiation of human bone-marrow mesenchymal cells (hBMSCs). Strong positive staining results confirmed that rhBMP-2 released from the scaffold could improve osteocalcin (OCN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and calcium deposition formation. RT-PCR results showed significantly high mRNA expression of ALP and OCN in hBM-MSCs cultured on the gelatin/nHAP/FG scaffold with rhBMP-2. DNA assay demonstrated that the scaffold was noncytotoxic and could promote hBMSC proliferation from the components of the hybrid scaffold, not released rhBMP-2. The hybrid scaffolds were then used to repair critical-size segmental bone defects of rabbit radius. Gross specimen, X-ray, bone histomorphology and bone mineral density assay demonstrated that the rhBMP-2-loaded gelatin/nHAP/FG scaffold had good osteogenic capability and could repair the segmental bone defect completely in 12 weeks.     

Nell-1-induced bone regeneration in calvarial defects

Many craniofacial birth defects contain skeletal components requiring bone grafting. We previously identified the novel secreted osteogenic molecule NELL-1, first noted to be overexpressed during premature bone formation in calvarial sutures of craniosynostosis patients. Nell-1 overexpression significantly increases differentiation and mineralization selectively in osteoblasts, while newborn Nell-1 transgenic mice significantly increase premature bone formation in calvarial sutures. In the current study, cultured calvarial explants isolated from Nell-1 transgenic newborn mice (with mild sagittal synostosis) demonstrated continuous bone growth and overlapping sagittal sutures. Further investigation into gene expression cascades revealed that fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-beta1 stimulated Nell-1 expression, whereas bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 had no direct effect. Additionally, Nell-1-induced osteogenesis in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts through reduction in the expression of early up-regulated osteogenic regulators (OSX and ALP) but induction of later markers (OPN and OCN). Grafting Nell-1 protein-coated PLGA scaffolds into rat calvarial defects revealed the osteogenic potential of Nell-1 to induce bone regeneration equivalent to BMP-2, whereas immunohistochemistry indicated that Nell-1 reduced osterix-producing cells and increased bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and BMP-7 expression. Insights into Nell-1-regulated osteogenesis coupled with its ability to stimulate bone regeneration revealed a potential therapeutic role and an alternative to the currently accepted techniques for bone regeneration.     

Orthotopic bone formation by implantation of apatite-coated poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/hydroxyapatite composite particulates and bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are the most potent osteoinductive growth factors. However, a delivery system is essential to take advantage of the osteoinductive effect of BMPs. In the present study, we tested the suitability of apatite-coated poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)/nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA/HA) particulates as carriers for the controlled release of BMP-2. The release of BMP-2 from apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates was sustained for at least 4 weeks in vitro. A delivery system of apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates suspended in fibrin gel further slowed the BMP-2 release rate. In vivo implantation of either Fibrin gel + BMP-2 or Fibrin gel + apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates showed enhanced new bone formation in critical-sized calvarial defects of rats 8 weeks after implantation, compared to implantation of fibrin gel only. Importantly, new bone formation was much higher in the defects treated with BMP-2 delivery using apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates in fibrin gel (Fibrin gel + PLGA/HA + BMP-2 group) than in the defects treated either with apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates in fibrin gel (Fibrin gel + BMP-2 group) or with BMP-2 delivery using fibrin gel alone (Fibrin gel + BMP-2 group). BMP-2 and osteoinductive HA had an additive effect on orthotopic bone formation. In conclusion, the apatite-coated PLGA/HA particulates showed good results as carriers for BMP-2. The BMP-2 delivery system showed high osteogenic capability in a rat calvarial bone defect model. The local and sustained delivery system for BMP-2 developed in this study may be useful as a carrier for BMP-2 and would enhance bone regeneration efficacy for the treatment of large bone defects.     

Accelerated bonelike apatite growth on porous polymer/ceramic composite scaffolds in vitro

Although biodegradable polymer/ceramic composite scaffolds can overcome the limitations of conventional ceramic bone substitutes, the osteogenic potential of these scaffolds needs to be further enhanced for efficient bone tissue engineering. In this study, bonelike apatite was efficiently coated onto the scaffold surface by using polymer/ceramic composite scaffolds instead of polymer scaffolds and by using an accelerated biomimetic process to enhance the osteogenic potential of the scaffold. The creation of bonelike, apatite-coated polymer scaffold was achieved by incubating the scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF). The apatite growth on porous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)/nanohydroxyapatite (PLGA/ HA) composite scaffolds was significantly faster than on porous PLGA scaffolds. In addition, the distribution of coated apatite was more uniform on PLGA/HA scaffolds than on PLGA scaffolds. After a 5-day incubation period, the mass of apatite coated onto PLGA/HA scaffolds incubated in 5 x SBF was 2.3-fold higher than PLGA/HA scaffolds incubated in 1 x SBF. Furthermore, when the scaffolds were incubated in 5 x SBF for 5 days, the mass of apatite coated onto PLGA/HA scaffolds was 4.5-fold higher than PLGA scaffolds. These results indicate that the biomimetic apatite coating can be accelerated by using a polymer/ceramic composite scaffold and concentrated SBF. When seeded with osteoblasts, the apatite-coated PLGA/HA scaffolds exhibited significantly higher cell growth, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization in vitro compared to the apatite-coated PLGA scaffolds. Therefore, the apatite-coated PLGA/HA scaffolds may provide enhanced osteogenic potential when used as scaffold for bone tissue engineering.     

Bioactive cell-derived matrices combined with polymer mesh scaffold for osteogenesis and bone healing

Successful bone tissue engineering generally requires an osteoconductive scaffold that consists of extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic the natural environment. In this study, we developed a PLGA/PLA-based mesh scaffold coated with cell-derived extracellular matrix (CDM) for the delivery of bone morphogenic protein (BMP-2), and assessed the capacity of this system to provide an osteogenic microenvironment. Decellularized ECM from human lung fibroblasts (hFDM) was coated onto the surface of the polymer mesh scaffolds, upon which heparin was then conjugated onto hFDM via EDC chemistry. BMP-2 was subsequently immobilized onto the mesh scaffolds via heparin, and released at a controlled rate. Human placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) were cultured in such scaffolds and subjected to osteogenic differentiation for 28 days in vitro. The results showed that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and osteogenic marker expression were significantly improved with hPMSCs cultured in the hFDM-coated mesh scaffolds compared to the control and fibronectin-coated ones. In addition, a mouse ectopic and rat calvarial bone defect model was used to examine the feasibility of current platform to induce osteogenesis as well as bone regeneration. All hFDM-coated mesh groups exhibited a significant increase of newly formed bone and in particular, hFDM-coated mesh scaffold loaded with a high dose of BMP-2 exhibited a nearly complete bone defect healing as confirmed via micro-CT and histological observation. This work proposes a great potency of using hFDM (biophysical) coupled with BMP-2 (biochemical) as a promising osteogenic microenvironment for bone tissue engineering applications.     

The osteogenesis of bacterial cellulose scaffold loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a nanofibrous biological material with attractive physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Its fiber is similar to the collagenous fiber of bone. To explore if BC could be utilized as a localized delivery system to increase the local concentration of cytokines for tissue engineering, we prepared the BC scaffold from Acetobacter xylinum X-2 (A.?xylinum X-2) and investigated the osteogenic potential of the BC scaffold coated with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The data showed that BC had a good biocompatibility and induced differentiation of mouse fibroblast-like C2C12 cells into osteoblasts in the presence of BMP-2 in?vitro, as demonstrated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays. Within a certain range (0?～?3?μg/scaffold), the osteogenic activity of induced osteoblasts was positively correlated to the concentrations of BMP-2. In in?vivo subcutaneous implantation studies, BC scaffolds carrying BMP-2 showed more bone formation and higher calcium concentration than the BC scaffolds alone at 2 and 4 weeks, respectively. The ALP activity assay and the measurement of calcium concentration of BC scaffolds also showed that more new bone was developed in the BC scaffolds carrying BMP-2 than in the BC scaffolds alone. Our studies suggest that BC is a good localized delivery system for BMPs and would be a potential candidate in bone tissue engineering.     

Effect of autologous bone marrow stromal cell seeding and bone morphogenetic protein-2 delivery on ectopic bone formation in a microsphere/poly(propylene fumarate) composite

A biodegradable microsphere/scaffold composite based on the synthetic polymer poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) holds promise as a scaffold for cell growth and sustained delivery vehicle for growth factors for bone regeneration. The objective of the current work was to investigate the in vitro release and in vivo bone forming capacity of this microsphere/scaffold composite containing bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in combination with autologous bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in a goat ectopic implantation model. Three composites consisting of 0, 0.08, or 8 microg BMP-2 per mg of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres, embedded in a porous PPF scaffold, were combined with either plasma (no cells) or culture-expanded BMSCs. PPF scaffolds impregnated with a BMP-2 solution and combined with BMSCs as well as empty PPF scaffolds were also tested. The eight different composites were implanted subcutaneously in the dorsal thoracolumbar area of goats. Incorporation of BMP-2-loaded microspheres in the PPF scaffold resulted in a more sustained in vitro release with a lower burst phase, as compared to BMP-2-impregnated scaffolds. Histological analysis after 9 weeks of implantation showed bone formation in the pores of 11/16 composites containing 8 microg/mg BMP-2-loaded microspheres with no significant difference between composites with or without BMSCs (6/8 and 5/8, respectively). Bone formation was also observed in 1/8 of the BMP-2-impregnated scaffolds. No bone formation was observed in the other conditions. Overall, this study shows the feasibility of bone induction by BMP-2 release from microspheres/scaffold composites.     

An evaluation of BMP-2 delivery from scaffolds with miniaturized dental implants in a novel rat mandible model

The purpose of this study was three-fold: (a) to develop a new small animal model to evaluate dental implant systems that recapitulates aspects of the challenging intraoral environment, (b) screen several scaffolds for in vivo bone forming efficacy when used to deliver non-glycosylated bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) together with a miniaturized titanium (Ti) dental implant, and (c) identify correlations between in vitro BMP-2 release rates and in vivo results. The scaffolds tested were: (1) collagen-hydroxyapatite composite (Col/HA), (2) polyethylene glycol hydrogel (PEG-hydrogel), and (3) Col/HA infused with PEG-hydrogel (Col/HA/PEG-hydrogel). BMP-2 delivery directly from the Ti implants rather than from the scaffolds was also tested. MicroCT analyses at 4 weeks showed that the maximum volume and height of new bone occurred when BMP-2 (10 μg) was delivered from the Col/HA/PEG-hydrogel scaffolds. BMP-2 delivery from the Ti implant was not as effective as from the scaffolds. While in vitro BMP-2 release was highest for the PEG-hydrogel, the scaffold most successful in vivo was the Col/HA/PEG-hydrogel scaffold because it had the necessary mechanical strength to perform well in the mandibular bone environment. The in vitro release studies suggested a threshold dose of 5 μg which was borne out by the in vivo dose response studies.     

Osteogenic differentiation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells in thermo-reversible hydrogel constructs containing hydroxyapatite and bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2)

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ectopic bone formation in a three-dimensional hybrid scaffold in combination with hydroxyapatite (HA) and poly(NiPAAm-co-AAc) as an injectable vehicle in the form of a supporting matrix for the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in the hybrid scaffold was greatly influenced by the addition of growth factors. When the osteoinduction activity of hybrid scaffold was studied following implantation into the back subcutis of nude mouse in terms of histological and biochemical examinations, significantly homogeneous bone formation was histologically observed throughout the hybrid scaffolds containing growth factor (BMP-2: bone morphogenic protein-2). The level of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin content at the implanted sites of hybrid scaffolds were significantly high for the perfusion group compared with those in static culture group. We conclude that combination of MSC-seeded hybrid scaffold containing BMP-2 was a promising method by which to enhance in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSC and in vivo ectopic bone formation.     

双基因转染犬骨髓间充质干细胞复合HA/ZrO2生物材料新型组织工程骨的构建及其体外成骨能力的研究

目的 构建骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)、血管内皮细胞生长因子165(VEGF165)双基因修饰的骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)复合羟基磷灰石复合二氧化锆(HA/ZrO₂)生物材料的新型组织工程骨,并观察该组织工程骨在体外的成骨能力。方法 采用有机泡沫作为模版,干铺烧制法制备新型的蜂窝状HA/ZrO₂梯度生物材料,电镜观察新型生物材料的表面特性,生物力学试验机检测其力学性能。采取1岁龄健康beagle犬骨髓分离原代BMSCs进行培养,建立双基因修饰的BMSCs复合蜂窝状HA/ZrO₂梯度生物材料的共培养体,构建新型组织工程骨。实验分为4组:未转染组,只转染BMP-2(BMP-2组)和VEGF165(VEGF165组)单一目的基因的BMSCs,以及转染BMP-2、VEGF165共基因慢病毒的BMSCs组(BMP-2+VEGF165组)。显微镜下观察细胞在支架材料上的生长情况,用碱性磷酸酶染色检测各组细胞成骨分化能力,免疫组织化学染色检测其成骨细胞特异性蛋白骨Ⅰ型胶原及骨钙素的分泌。结果 新型材料电镜下其表面整体呈多孔状,孔径125~550 μm,各孔之间存在缝隙联结;其平均抗弯强度为812.25 MPa,最高可达987.12 MPa;共培养体建立后扫描电镜观察转染后的BMSCs在支架材料上黏附生长状况良好,双基因联合转染组细胞分泌基质旺盛;BMP-2+VEGF165组细胞碱性磷酸酶活性检测明显高于其他各组(F=1 029.398,P<0.01),免疫组织化学染色在不同阶段发现成骨细胞早晚期分泌的骨Ⅰ型胶原及骨钙素特异性蛋白。结论 新型的蜂窝状HA/ZrO₂梯度生物材料是一种合适种子细胞生长的支架材料,并且其力学满足人体四肢承重骨的需要;VEGF165、BMP-2双基因转染BMSCs后具有协同作用,能够促进其在体外的成骨分化。     

Ectopic bone regeneration by human bone marrow mononucleated cells, undifferentiated and osteogenically differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds

Tissue engineering approaches using the combination of porous ceramics and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) represent a promising bone substitute for repairing large bone defects. Nevertheless, optimal conditions for constructing tissue-engineered bone have yet to be determined. It remains unclear if transplantation of predifferentiated BMSCs is superior to undifferentiated BMSCs or freshly isolated bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMNCs) in terms of new bone formation in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of in vitro osteogenic differentiation (β-glycerophosphate, dexamethasone, and l-ascorbic acid) of human BMSCs on the capability to form tissue-engineered bone in unloaded conditions after subcutaneous implantation in nude mice. After isolation from human bone marrow aspirates, BMNCs were divided into three parts: one part was seeded onto porous beta-tricalcium phosphate ceramics immediately and transplanted in a heterotopic nude mice model; two parts were expanded in vitro to passage 2 before cell seeding and in vivo transplantation, either under osteogenic conditions or not. Animals were sacrificed for micro-CT and histological evaluation at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks postimplantation. The results showed that BMSCs differentiated into osteo-progenitor cells after induction, as evidenced by the altered cell morphology and elevated alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition, but their clonogenicity, proliferating rate, and seeding efficacy were not significantly affected by osteogenic differentiation, compared with undifferentiated cells. Extensive new bone formed in the pores of all the scaffolds seeded with predifferentiated BMSCs at 4 weeks after implantation, and maintained for 20 weeks. On the contrary, scaffolds containing undifferentiated BMSCs revealed limited bone formation only in 1 out of 6 cases at 8 weeks, and maintained for 4 weeks. For scaffolds with BMNCs, woven bone was observed sporadically only in one case at 8 weeks. Overall, this study suggests that ectopic osteogenesis of cell/scaffold composites is more dependent on the in vitro expansion condition, and osteo-differentiated BMSCs hold the highest potential concerning in vivo bone regeneration.     

Electroporation-mediated transfer of Runx2 and Osterix genes to enhance osteogenesis of adipose stem cells

In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that electroporation-mediated transfer of Runx2, Osterix, or both genes enhances the in vitro and in vivo osteogenesis from adipose stem cells (ASCs). ASCs were transfected with Runx2, Osterix, or both genes using electroporation, and further cultured in monolayer or in PLGA scaffold under osteogenic medium for 14 days, then analyzed for in vitro osteogenic differentiation. Transfected ASC-PLGA scaffold hybrids were also implanted on nude mice to test for in vivo ectopic bone formation. Runx2 and Osterix genes were strongly expressed in ASCs transfected with each gene on day 7, decreasing rapidly on day 14. Runx2 protein was strongly expressed in ASCs transfected with the Runx2 gene, while Osterix protein was strongly expressed in ASCs transfected with either or both Runx2 and Osterix genes. Overexpression of Runx2 and Osterix significantly increased the gene expression of osteogenic differentiation markers (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], osteocalcin [OCN], type I collagen [COL1A1], and bone sialoprotein [BSP]) in ASCs. Transfection of Runx2 and Osterix genes enhanced the protein expression of OCN, type I collagen, and BSP, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis, and ALP activity as well as enhancing mineralization in the monolayer culture and ASC-PLGA scaffold hybrids. Runx2- or Osterix-transfected ASC-PLGA scaffold hybrids promoted bone formation in nude mice after 6 weeks of in vivo implantation.