Intervertebral Disc Progenitors: Lessons Learned from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and the Role in Intervertebral Disc Regeneration

The tremendous personal and economic burden worldwide caused by low back pain (LBP) has been surging in recent years. While intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is the leading cause of LBP and vast efforts have been made to develop effective therapies, this problem is far from being resolved, as most treatments, such as painkillers and surgeries, mainly focus on relieving the symptoms rather than reversing the cause of IVDD. However, as stem/progenitor cells possess the potential to regenerate IVD, a deeper understanding of the early development and role of these cells could help to improve the effectiveness of stem/progenitor cell therapy in treating LBP. Single-cell RNA sequencing results provide fresh insights into the heterogeneity and development patterns of IVD progenitors; additionally, we compare mesenchymal stromal cells and IVD progenitors to provide a clearer view of the optimal cell source proposed for IVD regeneration.

Automated summary

The worldwide burden of low back pain (LBP) caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) has been increasing in recent years. Current treatments mainly focus on relieving symptoms rather than reversing the cause of IVDD, but stem/progenitor cell therapy shows potential for IVD regeneration. Single-cell RNA sequencing results provide insights into IVD progenitors, aiding in the development of effective stem/progenitor cell therapy for LBP.