Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration usually starts from the inner nucleus pulposus (NP). The majority of previous NP-related studies assessed the outcome by the expression of chondrogenic markers since NP cells are chondrocyte like. However, NP cells are unique from chondrocytes and such assessments may be inappropriate. Very recently, several investigators published their findings about the transcriptional differences between NP cells and other related cell types on a genomic scale. In this review we discuss these recent findings and summarize the molecules that may be utilized as NP-specific markers to distinguish normal NP cells from several cell types and as markers that indicate its degeneration. We will revisit markers that distinguish NP cells from the outer surrounding annulus fibrosus (AF) cells and articular chondrocytes so as to facilitate authentic NP cell engineering from stem cells. Our review indicated that N-cadherin and keratin 19 have the potential to serve as common NP markers, as they distinguish healthy NP cells from AF cells, articular cartilage cells and degenerated NP cells.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
