Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Real-Time Imaging of CCL5-Induced Migration of Periosteal Skeletal Stem Cells in Mice
Published on: September 16, 2020
Gene therapy for fracture healing
Aaron Nauth1, Theodore Miclau, Ru Li
1Division of Orthopaedics, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. aaron.nauth@utoronto.ca
Abstract:
Traumatic bone defects and nonunion represent a significant source of morbidity and socioeconomic burden in trauma patients. The treatment of these conditions is currently hampered by inadequate therapies. This has prompted a new era of investigation into biologic therapies for augmenting fracture healing. Within this body of research, gene therapy has arisen as a novel and effective method of delivering therapeutic proteins at a site of desired bone regeneration. Gene therapy has shown tremendous potential in preclinical studies of fracture healing, but to date, no clinical trials have occurred. This article reviews the scientific basis for gene therapy in fracture healing, provides an overview of important preclinical studies that have been performed to date, and discusses the current barriers and future directions of gene therapy as it applies to fracture healing.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Bone Remodeling and Repair
Bone Remodeling
Gene Therapy
Healing I: Introduction
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue

