Evaluation of BMP-2 gene-activated muscle grafts for cranial defect repair

Fangjun Liu, Ryan M. Porter, James Wells, Vaida Glatt, Carmencita Pilapil, Christopher H. Evans

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Large, osseous, segmental defects heal poorly. Muscle has a propensity to form bone when exposed to an osteogenic stimulus such as that provided by transfer and expression of cDNA encoding bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The present study evaluated the ability of genetically modified, autologous muscle to heal large cranial defects in rats. Autologous grafts (8mm×2mm) were punched from the biceps femoris muscle and transduced intraoperatively with recombinant adenovirus vector containing human BMP-2 or green fluorescent protein cDNA. While the muscle biopsies were incubating with the vector, a central parietal 8mm defect was surgically created in the calvarium of the same animal. The gene-activated muscle graft was then implanted into the cranial defect. After 8 weeks, crania were examined radiographically, histologically, and by micro-computed tomography and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Although none of the defects were completely healed in this time, muscle grafts expressing BMP-2 deposited more than twice as much new bone as controls. Histology confirmed the anatomical integrity of the newly formed bone, which was comparable in thickness and mineral density to the original cranial bone. This study confirms the in vivo osteogenic properties of genetically modified muscle and suggests novel strategies for healing bone.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1095-1102
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research
Volume30
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • BMP-2
  • bone healing
  • gene therapy
  • muscle
  • osteogenesis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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