Enhancing the osteogenic capacity of MG63 cells through N -isopropylacrylamide-modified polyethylenimine-mediated oligodeoxynucleotide MT01 delivery

Abstract

An oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN), with its design based on human mitochondrial DNA (MT01), has been demonstrated to promote the proliferation and activation of osteoblasts. However, critical issues such as poor oligonucleotide stability in the presence of nucleases currently limit its broad application. This study evaluated whether N-isopropylacrylamide-modified polyethylenimine (PEN) nanoparticles could effectively deliver ODN MT01 locally with low or no toxicity and promote osteoblast differentiation in vitro. Our data demonstrate that at a w/w ratio of 6-:-1, PEN/MT01 nanoparticles were effectively transfected into MG63 cells without cytotoxicity, whereby they promoted cell proliferation in vitro. Quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses showed that the PEN/MT01 complexes enhanced mRNA and protein expression of osteoprotegerin, Sp7, and runt-related transcription factor 2, and decreased levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, which are markers indicative of MG63 differentiation into preosteoblasts or mature osteoblasts. This approach demonstrates the potential of using PEN as a biocompatible gene therapy carrier to address regeneration of bone defects.