Collagenesis orchestrates mechanoadaptive development and homeostasis of intervertebral discs - PubMed
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- #collagenesis
- #mechanoadaptation
- #intervertebral disc
- Collagenesis plays a key role in the mechanoadaptive development and homeostasis of intervertebral discs.
- A unique type of disc (type C) enriched with collagen-II is found in coccygeal regions under high mechanical loading, starting around the 14th day after birth in mice.
- Type C discs are more resistant to compressive and flexural stresses and less prone to degeneration compared to typical discs.
- Development of type C discs involves the emergence of chondrogenic cell clusters independent of notochordal lineage and a reduction in notochord cells.
- Mechanical unloading inhibits the formation of type C discs, indicating collagenesis as a mechanoadaptive response.
- TRPV4 is highly expressed in this process, and its deletion impairs collagenesis, highlighting the importance of mechanotransduction.
- Similar mechanoadaptation programs are observed in developing human lumbar spines, suggesting evolutionary conservation.
- The findings provide insights into spinal function and potential therapeutic strategies for disc-related conditions.