Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
06:22

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration

Published on: July 8, 2021

Characterization of miRNA expression in human degenerative lumbar disks

Søren Ohrt-Nissen1, Kristina B V Døssing, Maria Rossing

  • 1Genomic Medicine, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. ohrtnissen@gmail.com

Connective Tissue Research
|April 17, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

microRNAs (miRNAs) are present in human intervertebral discs (IVDs). Their expression differs between the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, impacting key signaling pathways involved in IVD health.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA sequences regulating gene expression.
  • Inflammation is implicated in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration.
  • Understanding miRNA roles in IVD is crucial for degenerative disc disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize microRNAs (miRNAs) from human lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs).
  • To compare miRNA expression profiles between the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) of human IVDs.
  • To identify signaling pathways regulated by differentially expressed miRNAs in IVDs.

Main Methods:

  • RNA extraction from human lumbar IVD biopsies using the Trizol method.
  • Global miRNA expression profiling via Affymetrix GeneChip® miRNA array.
  • Analysis of miRNA expression differences between AF and NP tissues.

Main Results:

  • Successful isolation of miRNA from human IVDs, yielding 1-4 µg of total RNA per 100 mg of tissue.
  • Twenty-seven miRNAs showed higher expression in AF, while 10 showed higher expression in NP.
  • Identified key signaling pathways regulated by these miRNAs, including TGFβ, PDGF, IGF, EGF, and actin cytoskeletal pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Confirmed the presence of miRNAs in human IVDs.
  • Demonstrated distinct miRNA expression patterns in NP and AF compared to muscle tissue.
  • Highlighted the role of identified miRNAs in regulating critical signaling pathways for IVD maintenance, suggesting potential involvement in IVD disease pathogenesis.

More Related Videos

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.05:46

A Proinflammatory, Degenerative Organ Culture Model to Simulate Early-Stage Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Published on: February 14, 2021

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization08:22

Tissue-specific miRNA Expression Profiling in Mouse Heart Sections Using In Situ Hybridization

Published on: September 15, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction01:27

Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...
Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology01:23

Degenerative Disc Disease ll: Pathophysiology

The symptoms of degenerative disc disease arise from a combination of mechanical compression, vascular compromise, and biochemical inflammation, which together disrupt nerve function and produce pain.Mechanical CompressionDisc degeneration reduces height and elasticity, predisposing to herniation of the nucleus pulposus, a major cause of radicular pain. Herniations may be protrusion (bulging with intact annulus), extrusion (nucleus extends beyond disc but remains connected), or sequestration...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA ends...
Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction01:29

Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction

Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...