Developing a species-specific genetic agent for treatment of skin defects in dogs

Abstract

Gene therapy is important in veterinary medicine due to the current need for more species-specific drugs, because they have proven to prevent an allergic response to heterologous proteins and other problems with the recipient immunity. In this study, we developed species-specific genetically engineered plasmid constructs based on the pBUDK – clVECF164 – clFGF2 plasmid DNA, all encoding genes of the canine vascular endothelial and fibroblast growth factors, which can be used to treat skin, muscle, and ligament injuries in dogs. In vitro studies of these constructs demonstrated that they induce angiogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells. In vivo studies of the plasmid DNA revealed stimulation of skin regeneration in rats and dogs without affecting the general state of animals. No complications were observed after the subcutaneous injection of the plasmid DNA. The results obtained offer a tremendous potential for further advance in veterinary medicine.

Keywords

• species-specific gene therapy
• vascular endothelial growth factor
• fibroblast growth factor
• dog
• skin damage