ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of gene transfection with human growth/differentiation factor 5(GDF5)on the growth and difierentiation of bone nlarrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs).Methods GDF5 gene was trans fected into BMSCs by liposome method. Then cell proliferation and cycles were examined by MTT and flow cytometry respectively. Cell morphology was observed under light microscope and electron microscope (EM).GDF5 and Collagen Ⅱ were detected at the level of mRNA and protein by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Alkaline phosphate activity was examined by lead citrate method. Osteocalcin mRNA expression was determined bv RT-PCR. ResulIs GDF5 gene was transfected into BMSCs successfully and the transfected cells still maintained their natural growth and proliferation features. Stable expression of GDF5 gene in BMSCs was obtained. The trans fected ceils had basically the same proliferation ability and cell cycles as the untransfccted ones. After transfection comparatively more polygonal cells could be seen in light microscope, showing irregular arrangement mode. Plenty organells were observed and cell nucleus showed irregular shape under EM. The expressions of Collagen Ⅱ mRNA and protein were positive. But osteocalcin mRNA expression was negative. Conclusion Since BMSCs can be induced by GDF5 to differentiate into chondrogenic cells. GDF5 gene-modified BMSCs may be used as candidate seed cells of cartilage tissue engineering.