The use of bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy in craniofacial bone repair

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are capable of inducing endochondral bon e formation when applied on biologic carriers in numerous mammalian in vivo assay systems. Bone morphogenetic protein gene therapy is also currently b eing developed to promote osteogenesis for clinical indications such as spi nal fusions, craniofacial bone loss, and osteoporosis. In this study, criti cal-sized mandibular defects were treated with a control adenoviral vector (Ad-P-gal), a BMP-2 adenoviral vector (Ad-BMP-2), or a BMP-9 adenoviral vec tor (Ad-BMP-9). Gross tissue examination, radiographic analysis, and histol ogic analysis demonstrated significant bony healing in the BMP treated grou ps compared to controls. Osteogenesis was limited to the bony defect, witho ut extension into the surrounding soft tissues. The study suggests that wit h further development, BMP gene therapy may be potentially useful for repai r of bony defects in the craniofacial region.