TGF-β1 gene-engineered mesenchymal stem cells induce rat cartilage regeneration using nonviral gene vector

This study evaluated the potential of utilizing transfected pTGF beta-1 gene-engineered rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using nonviral vector to promote cartilage regeneration. Pullulanspermine was used as the nonviral gene vector and gelatin sponge was used as the scaffold. MSCs were engineered with TGF-beta 1 gene with either the three-dimensional (3D) reverse transfection system or the two-dimensional (2D) conventional transfection system. For the 3D reverse transfection system, pullulanspermine/pTGF-beta 1 gene complexes were immobilized to the gelatin sponge, followed by the seeding of MSCs. Pullulanspermine/pTGF-beta 1 gene complexes were delivered to MSCs cultured in the plate to perform the 2D conventional transfection system, and then MSCs were seeded to the gelatin sponge. Then, TGF-beta 1 gene-transfected MSC seeded gelatin sponge was implanted to the full-thickness cartilage defect. Compared with the control group, both groups of TGF-beta 1 gene-engineered MSCs improved cartilage regeneration through optical observation and histology staining. So, with pullulanspermine as the nonviral vector, TGF-beta 1-gene engineered MSCs can induce cartilage regeneration in vivo.