<it>BMP-2 </it>gene-fibronectin-apatite composite layer enhances bone formation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Safe and efficient gene transfer systems are needed for tissue engineering. We have developed an apatite composite layer including the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (<it>BMP-2</it>) gene and fibronectin (FB), and we evaluated its ability to induce bone formation.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An apatite composite layer was evaluated to determine the efficiency of gene transfer to cells cultured on it. Cells were cultured on a composite layer including the <it>BMP-2 </it>gene and FB, and <it>BMP-2 </it>gene expression, <it>BMP-2 </it>protein concentrations, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin (OC) concentrations were measured. A bone defect on the cranium of rats was treated with hydroxyapatite (HAP)-coated ceramic buttons with the apatite composite layer including the <it>BMP-2 </it>gene and FB (HAP-BMP-FB). The tissue concentration of BMP-2, bone formation, and the expression levels of the <it>BMP-2, ALP</it>, and <it>OC </it>genes were all quantified.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The apatite composite layer provided more efficient gene transfer for the cultured cells than an apatite composite layer without FB. The BMP-2 concentration was approximately 100~600 pg/mL in the cell-culture medium. Culturing the cells on the apatite composite layer for 27 days increased ALP activity and OC concentrations. In animal experiments, the tissue concentrations of BMP-2 were over 100 pg/mg in the HAP-BMP-FB group and approximately 50 pg/mg in the control groups. Eight weeks later, bone formation was more enhanced in the HAP-BMP-FB group than in the control groups. In the tissues surrounding the HAP button, the gene expression levels of ALP and OC increased.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The <it>BMP-2 </it>gene-FB-apatite composite layer might be useful for bone engineering.</p>

Abstract licence: CC BY

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