Vasculogenic tissue nanotransfection accelerates functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury

While gene and cell therapies offer promise for enhancing regenerative outcomes, effective and targeted delivery remains a significant challenge. Here, we explored vasculogenic Tissue Nano-Transfection (TNT) as a novel, non-viral, reprogramming-based cell therapy to improve outcomes following graft reconstruction surgery.

TNT aims to improve nerve regeneration by inducing vasculogenic reprogramming and promoting neovascularization to support axonal growth. Through a combination of in vitro screening and in vivo testing in a nerve crush model, we identified an optimal formulation of the vasculogenic genes, Etv2, Fli1, and Foxc2 (EFF), for enhancing reprogramming and axonal repair. TNT-based deployment EFF in a long segmental nerve defect reconstructed with isografts resulted in significant improvements in functional recovery, including grip strength and muscle contractility.