title: Molecular basis of intervertebral disc degeneration.
abstract: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a disease of the discs connecting adjoining vertebrae in which structural damage leads to degeneration of the disc and surrounding area. Degeneration of the disc is considered to be a normal process of aging, but can accelerate faster than expected or be precipitated by other factors. The scientific community has come a long way in understanding the biological basis and interpreting the lifestyle implications of IVD degeneration. Of all the diseases of the intervertebral disc, degeneration is the most common and has earned much attention due to its diversity in presentation and potential multiorgan involvement. We will provide a brief overview of the anatomic, cellular, and molecular structure of the IVD, and delve into the cellular and molecular pathophysiology surrounding IVD degeneration. We will then highlight some of the newest developments in stem cell, protein, and genetic therapy for IVD degeneration.
authors.affiliation: San Diego School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Dipika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gopal
authors.forename: Allen L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ho
authors.forename: Amol
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Chi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055959:Intervertebral Disc Degeneration / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins