mRNA-mediated tissue regeneration

mRNA-mediated tissue regeneration is a therapeutic approach that utilizes synthetic in vitro-transcribed (IVT) messenger RNA to promote the repair and regrowth of damaged tissues. Rather than delivering a protein or a viral vector, this modality introduces genetic instructions directly into cells to produce regenerative factors, such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) or Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs). This strategy is particularly prominent in cardiovascular research, where mRNA encoding VEGF-A is used to stimulate angiogenesis and improve heart function following myocardial infarction. It is also being explored for bone healing, chronic wound treatment, and muscle regeneration in diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Because mRNA does not enter the nucleus, it offers a safer, non-integrating, and transient alternative to traditional gene therapy, though challenges remain regarding efficient delivery and the potential for unintended immune responses.

Other names

mRNA-based regenerative medicinemRNA-mediated repairIn vitro-transcribed (IVT) mRNA therapySynthetic mRNA-driven regeneration

The delivery of synthetic, chemically modified messenger RNA into target cells to induce the transient expression of therapeutic proteins, such as growth factors or cytokines, which stimulate endogenous pathways for tissue healing, vascularization, and cellular regeneration without altering the host genome.