BACKGROUND CONTEXT: We have recently demonstrated that BMP-9 is one of the most osteogenic BMPs both in vitro and in vivo. Although comparisons of carriers combined with recombinant BMP-2 have been performed previously, no comparison of carriers for cell-based gene therapy has been performed. In order for further development of gene therapy to occur, it is essential to define the ideal carrier for this application.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Targeted gene therapy approaches to spinal fusion may circumvent some of the difficulties and limitations associated with use of recombinant proteins. Successful spinal fusion using adenoviral delivery of osteoinductive genes has typically required expansion of delivery cells for several weeks prior to implantation, long viral transduction times, or the use of supplementary osteoinductive agents. These factors may compromise the ability to easily apply these techniques in the clinical setting.