Materialogenetics: an emerging and promising framework for cell-specific genetic manipulation

Genetic manipulation technologies (GMTs) serve as potent instruments for elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underly both physiological and pathological processes. However, the increasing recognition of the cellular heterogeneity in terms of their spatial distribution, cellular subtypes, and functional states in complex tissues, has posed new challenges to the applicability and precision of these technologies. While current GMTs facilitate precise genetic interventions at the molecular level, their capacity for achieving cell-specific genetic regulation remains constrained. In this context, we utilize research on fibroblast growth factors (FGFs)/FGF receptors (FGFRs) signaling in osteoarthritis (OA) as a case to demonstrate the technical limitations faced by existing GMTs. To address these constraints, we propose a conceptual framework termed Materialogenetics, which integrates advances in biomaterials science with genetic manipulation approaches. Advanced biomaterials with active-targeting and stimuli-responsive properties have been widely explored in disease diagnosis and therapy. When combined with GMTs, these materials can theoretically greatly improve cell-specific and spatiotemporally controlled genetic manipulation at both molecular and cellular levels. Moreover, biomaterial-assisted genetic manipulation offers several practical advantages, including cost-effectiveness, operational simplicity, and a high degree of tunability, rendering the platform highly adaptable to a wide range of research contexts. Collectively, Materialogenetics establishes a conceptual framework that bridges the fields of materials science and genetics, representing a versatile and promising platform for achieving precise genetic manipulation in complex biological systems.