Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Gene Delivery Tool: Promise, Problems, and Prospects

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell-based gene therapy offers a safe and targeted delivery method.
• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising due to their homing and tumor-targeting abilities.
• Non-viral nucleic acid transfer into MSCs faces significant limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review nucleic acid types for MSC transfection, including their advantages, disadvantages, and applications.
• To highlight efficient lipid-based carriers for nucleic acid delivery to MSCs.
• To discuss ongoing challenges and novel strategies for optimizing engineered MSCs in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of nucleic acids and lipid carriers for MSC transfection.
• Analysis of pros, cons, and applications of different transfection methods.
• Exploration of emerging techniques like exosomes, spheroids, and 3D bioprinting.

Main Results:

• Various nucleic acids and lipid carriers are suitable for MSC transfection, each with specific efficacies.
• Lipid-based carriers demonstrate efficiency in delivering nucleic acids to MSCs.
• Engineered MSCs show therapeutic potential but require further optimization for clinical use.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing non-viral gene transfer into MSCs is crucial for advancing cell-based therapies.
• Novel combination strategies are being developed to enhance the safety and efficiency of MSC gene therapy.
• Further research is needed to translate engineered MSCs into effective clinical treatments.