Studies from Hebrew University further understanding of gene therapy

   "We hypothesized that direct in vivo sonoporation of naked DNA encoding for the osteogenic gene, recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-9 (rhBMP-9) would induce bone formation. A luciferase plasmid (Luc), encoding rhBMP-9 or empty pcDNA3 vector mixed with microbubbles, was injected into the thigh muscles of mice. After injection, noninvasive sonoporation was applied. Luc activity was monitored noninvasively, and quantitatively using bioluminescence imaging in vivo, and found for 14 days with a peak expression on day 7. To examine osteogenesis in vivo, rhBMP-9 plasmid was sonoporated into the thigh muscles of transgenic mice that express the Luc gene under the control of a human osteocalcin promoter. Following rhBMP-9 sonoporation, osteocalcin-dependent Luc expression lasted for 24 days and peaked on day 10. Bone tissue was formed in the site of rhBMP-9 delivery, as was shown by micro-computerized tomography and histology. The sonoporation method was also compared with previously developed electrotransfer-based gene delivery and was found significantly inferior in its efficiency of gene delivery," wrote D. Sheyn and colleagues, Hebrew University.

   The researchers concluded: "We conclude that ultrasound-mediated osteogenic gene delivery could serve as a therapeutic solution in conditions requiring bone tissue regeneration after further development that will increase the transfection efficiency."

   Sheyn and colleagues published their study in Gene Therapy (Ultrasound-based nonviral gene delivery induces bone formation in vivo. Gene Therapy, 2008;15(4):257-266).

   For additional information, contact D. Gazit, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Skeletal Biotechnology Laboratory, Hadassah Med Campus, IL-91120 Jerusalem, Israel.

   Publisher contact information for the journal Gene Therapy is: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

   Keywords: Israel, Jerusalem, Bioengineering, Bioluminescence, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Bone, DNA, Enzymology, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Luciferase, Regenerative Medicine, Tissue Engineering, Treatment, Hebrew University.

   This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.

Return to Gene Therapy Alert Section