Co-transfection with BMP2 and FGF2 via chitosan nanoparticles potentiates osteogenesis in human adipose-derived stromal cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if co-transfection of human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2, BMP2) and human fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2, FGF2) via chitosan nanoparticles promotes osteogenesis in human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Recombinant BMP2 and/or FGF2 expression vectors were constructed and packaged into chitosan nanoparticles. The chitosan nanoparticles were characterized by atomic force microscopy. Gene and protein expression levels of BMP-2 and FGF2 in ADSCs in vitro were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Osteocalcin (OCN) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) gene expression were also evaluated by real-time PCR to assess osteogenesis. RESULTS: The prepared chitosan nanoparticles were spherical with a relatively homogenous size distribution. The BMP2 and FGF2 vectors were successfully transfected into ADSCs. BMP-2 and FGF2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly up-regulated in the co-transfection group compared with the control group. OCN and BSP mRNA levels were also significantly increased in the co-transfection group compared with cells transfected with BMP2 or FGF2 alone, suggesting that co-transfection significantly enhanced osteogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: Co-transfection of human ADSCs with BMP2/FGF2 via chitosan nanoparticles efficiently promotes the osteogenic properties of ADSCs in vitro.