Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Intervertebral Disc Biology: Genetic Basis of Disc Degeneration
Sabrina Munir1, Marinko Rade2,3, Juhani H Määttä1,4
11Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Purpose Of Review:
This review aims to highlight recent advances in understanding the genetic basis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD).
Recent Findings:
It has been known for some time that IDD is highly heritable. Recent studies, and in particular the availability of agnostic techniques such as genome-wide association studies, have identified new variants in a variety of genes which contribute to the risk of IDD and to back pain.
Summary:
A variety of genetic variants are involved in IDD. Some are shared with variants predisposing to back pain, but few have been identified reliably in either phenotype. Further research is required to explain fully the high heritability and how the genetic variants influence cell biology to lead to IDD.
Related Concept Videos
Design Example: Calculating Safe Diameter for Wind-Exposed Disc
What is Conservation Biology?
Genetics of Speciation
What is Population Genetics?
What is Genetic Engineering?
Biological Effects of Radiation

