Vector systems for gene transfer to joints

The prospects for the development of gene therapy treatments for certain or thopaedic diseases have been fueled by advances in the understanding of the molecular components of these disorders. These studies have identified mol ecules that could have therapeutic or reparative effects in certain setting s. The ability to transfer and appropriately express the genes encoding the se molecules is dependent on the availability of effective gene transfer ve ctors. Numerous vector systems have been used to transfer and express genes in joints with varied levels of success. The current review is designed to briefly outline the basics of the different gene transfer vector systems a vailable for use by researchers in the orthopaedic fields.