title: Genetics of the degenerated intervertebral disc.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Given the genetic and proteomic advances of the past decade, understanding of the molecular etiopathogenesis of several complex diseases is increasing. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is no different from other complex diseases where both environmental and genetic constituents are considered causes. This concept has challenged the traditional view that age, occupation, smoking, obesity, and primarily wear and tear are the only sources of disc degeneration.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a systematic Medline review of the most current articles related to gene involvement in the development of IVDD in humans.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Candidate gene linkage and association studies involving the functional components of the intervertebral disc, including collagen I, collagen IX, collagen XI, aggrecan, extracellular matrix-degrading enzymes, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα), Fas/FasL and vitamin D receptors, have had promising results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This review emphasizes the latest advances in gene association with specific degenerated disc phenotypes, single nucleotide polymorphisms, disease heredity, and gene-environmental interactions in relation to IVDD to help improve future studies related to the genetic mechanisms underlying IVDD.
authors: Division of Neurological Surgery, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Kalb
authors: Nikolay L
authors: NL
authors: Martirosyan
authors: M Yashar S
authors: MY
authors: Kalani
authors: Guy G
authors: GG
authors: Broc
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Theodore
mesh_terms: D053674:Aggrecans / Q000235:genetics; D024042:Collagen Type I / Q000235:genetics; D024081:Collagen Type IX / Q000235:genetics; D024161:Collagen Type XI / Q000235:genetics; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D007378:Interleukins / Q000235:genetics; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000235:genetics; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D053674:Aggrecans; D024042:Collagen Type I; D024081:Collagen Type IX; D024161:Collagen Type XI; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D007378:Interleukins; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D019014:fas Receptor