Tendon Healing In Vitro: bFGF Gene Transfer to Tenocytes by Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors Promotes Expression of Collagen Genes

Delivery of exogenous bFGF gene to tenocytes can increase significantly the levels of expression of the bFGF and type I and III collagen genes. AAV2 vectors provide a novel method for delivering growth factor genes to tenocytes. These findings warrant future in vivo study of the delivery of genes pertinent to tendon healing through AAV2-based gene therapy to enhance repairs of injured flexor tendons.