Gene Technology in Tissue Engineering

Scaffold, cells and signaling factors are regarded as the three essential components in tissue engineering. With the development of molecular and cell biology, gene technology is beginning to show a promising position in tissue engineering as it can influence these essential components at DNA-level. By introducing plasmid DNA or genes encoding certain signaling factors (growth factors/cytokines) into the cells, required growth factors/cytokines can be expressed and secreted spatially and temporally by the transfected cells, which will promote the differentiation, proliferation and organization of the cells on the scaffold. Protein-based scaffolds which have specific structures can also be prepared genetically to induce attachment and spreading of the cells. This paper reviews research work of gene technology developed in tissue engineering.