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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
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Rab7 delays intervertebral disc degeneration through the inhibition of the p38MAPK pathway

Xu Chen1, Peng Zhang2, Xun Ma1

  • 1Department of Orthopedics, Shanxi Dayi Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|May 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Rab7 protein protects against intervertebral disc degeneration. Overexpressing Rab7 in nucleus pulposus cells inhibits the p38MAPK pathway, delaying degeneration.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Cell biology
  • Orthopedics

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a significant cause of low back pain.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD progression remain incompletely understood.
  • Rab7, a small GTPase, has emerging roles in cellular processes relevant to degeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Rab7 in delaying intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).
  • To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of Rab7's action in nucleus pulposus cells.

Main Methods:

  • Established an intervertebral disc degeneration model in aged mice.
  • Utilized western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry.
  • Cultured primary nucleus pulposus cells for mechanistic studies.

Main Results:

  • Rab7 expression was significantly decreased in degenerative human nucleus pulposus tissues.
  • Aging in mice correlated with aggravated IVDD and reduced Rab7 expression.
  • Overexpression of Rab7 reduced nucleus pulposus cell degeneration and inhibited p38 and p-p38 levels.

Conclusions:

  • Rab7 acts as a protective factor against intervertebral disc degeneration.
  • Rab7 delays IVDD by inhibiting the p38MAPK signaling pathway.
Keywords:
Intervertebral discRab7p38MAPK pathway

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