# Contemporary Strategies of Gene and Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Peripheral Nervous System Injuries and Disorders

**Authors:** Alexandra Sharshakova, Valeriya Solovyeva, Galina Masgutova, Alisa Fattakhova, Albert Rizvanov, Albert Sufianov, Galina Sufianova, Ruslan Masgutov

PMC · DOI: 10.3390/ijms27052335 · 2026-03-02

## TL;DR

This paper reviews modern gene and cell therapy strategies for repairing peripheral nervous system injuries and improving regeneration.

## Contribution

The paper systematically organizes and analyzes current gene and cell therapy approaches for peripheral nerve repair.

## Key findings

- Gene delivery strategies using viral and plasmid vectors are being explored for PNS regeneration.
- Combined gene–cell-based therapies enable localized and sustained delivery of regenerative molecules.
- Advances in genetic engineering and cell biology are creating new paradigms for nerve tissue restoration.

## Abstract

Injuries and diseases of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) often result in irreversible functional deficits. Current therapeutic approaches demonstrate limited efficacy, which has driven the development of regenerative medicine strategies. This review systematizes contemporary gene and cell therapy approaches aimed at PNS repair and regeneration. Key neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF, GDNF, VEGF, etc.) and the molecular mechanisms underlying their regenerative effects are discussed. Gene delivery strategies employing viral and plasmid vectors are analyzed, along with the therapeutic application of various cell populations, including Schwann cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells. Particular attention is given to combined gene–cell-based approaches, which enable localized and sustained expression of therapeutic molecules. The integration of advances in genetic engineering, cell biology, and tissue engineering is shaping a new treatment paradigm focused on pathogenetic restoration of nerve tissue. These promising strategies pave the way toward achieving complete functional regeneration following PNS injuries.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** NGF (nerve growth factor) [NCBI Gene 4803], BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) [NCBI Gene 627], GDNF (glial cell derived neurotrophic factor) [NCBI Gene 2668], VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) [NCBI Gene 7422]

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** VEGFA (vascular endothelial growth factor A) [NCBI Gene 7422] {aka L-VEGF, MVCD1, VEGF, VPF}, BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) [NCBI Gene 627] {aka ANON2, BULN2}, NGF (nerve growth factor) [NCBI Gene 4803] {aka Beta-NGF, HSAN5, NGFB}, GDNF (glial cell derived neurotrophic factor) [NCBI Gene 2668] {aka ATF, ATF1, ATF2, HFB1-GDNF, HSCR3}
- **Diseases:** Injuries and diseases of the peripheral nervous system (MESH:D010523)

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12985528/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12985528