Biomaterial-Assisted Gene Therapy for Translational Approaches to Treat Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

[Abstract] Biomaterial-assisted gene therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders such as those concerning the articular cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments, and meniscus as it can deliver candidate gene sequences in a spatially and temporally controlled manner in sites of tissue damage over prolonged periods of time that may be required to durably enhance the specific, natural repair mechanisms in vivo in direct, non-invasive procedures that avoid the arduous manipulation and implantation of patient-dependent cells genetically modified in vitro. In the present work, we provide an overview of the most up-to-date approaches and outcomes in experimental, relevant models of such disorders in vivo using biomaterial-guided gene transfer that may be employed in a near future to treat patients during a clinical intervention as a means to achieve an effective, safe, and persistent translational healing of musculoskeletal injuries.