Overexpression of GDF5 through an adenovirus vector stimulates osteogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro and in vivo.

The use of stem cells combined with gene therapy could be an important way to facilitate bone regeneration. In this study, the aim was to investigate the potential of growth and differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) to genetically manipulate human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) for bone regeneration. Recombinant adenovirus Ad-GDF5 and Ad-GFP were constructed and identified, and the titer of both were determined. Third-passage hMSCs were infected with adenovirus, and the expression of GDF5 was confirmed by detection of GFP-positive cells, GDF5 mRNA levels, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). hMSCs at passage 3 were divided into four groups: (1) an experimental group infected with Ad-GDF5, (2) a positive control group cultured with osteogenic differentiation medium, (3) a control group infected with Ad-GFP cultured with standard medium, and (4) a blank control group cultured with standard medium. Evaluation of cell morphology and proliferation, analysis of the expression of genes related to osteogenic differentiation, von Kossa staining, and immunofluorescent staining of collagen I were used to investigate the osteogenesis of cells among the groups. After culturing the cells for 2 days under each corresponding condition, the cells were detached and subcutaneously injected into the backs of nude mice to evaluate bone formation. Samples were collected for histological staining, protein Western blotting, and micro-computer tomography. When infected with Ad-GDF5, hMSCs could overexpress GDF5 for a prolonged period in vitro and reach a concentration of 160 ng/ml. Cells infected with Ad-GDF5 or cultured in osteogenic medium displayed osteogenic differentiation based on their histological and cellular properties and on their gene and protein expression patterns. Furthermore, Ad-GDF5 showed a better ability to upregulate the expression of collagen I, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin mRNA than the osteogenic medium. Furthermore, Ad-GDF5 expression was associated with enhanced bone formation in vivo. Our findings suggest that hMSCs infected with Ad-GDF5 can differentiate in an osteogenic direction and may be a promising cell source for bone regeneration.