Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Disease
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pathology, Diagnostics, and Therapeutics".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 1331
Special Issue Editor
2. Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
3. The McGill Scoliosis and Spine Group, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
Interests: cellular mechanisms in physiological and pathological conditions; favoring the development of new therapeutic agents capable of treating musculoskeletal pathologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue, titled “Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Intervertebral Disc Disease”, aims to explore recent advancements and comprehensive reviews in intervertebral disc biology, particularly focusing on disc degeneration and aging. Experimental research papers, up-to-date review articles, and insightful commentaries are invited.
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a critical component of the spine, comprising a complex structure involving the extracellular matrix (ECM), predominantly composed of collagen and proteoglycans. IVD degeneration, a prevalent condition, involves intricate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Several factors such as age, genetic predisposition, and oxidative and mechanical stress have been suggested to contribute to the initiation and progression of IVD degeneration. Current treatments can only reduce the severity of the symptoms, but they cannot prevent the degeneration from progressing. Research topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Molecular mechanisms underlying disc degeneration, including cellular senescence, apoptosis, ferroptosis, necrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
- Cellular processes such as ECM remodeling mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors.
- The role of cytokines and growth factors in disc health and disease.
- Mechanisms influencing disc aging, nutrition, and mechanical integrity.
- Biomarkers for assessing disc degeneration progression and therapeutic response.
- Advances in understanding disc herniation and potential strategies for disc regeneration.
Contributions exploring new therapeutic avenues, including molecular targets, regenerative approaches, and innovative diagnostic techniques, are encouraged. Additionally, studies utilizing animal models and clinical trials aimed at validating therapeutic strategies for disc degeneration are welcome.
We look forward to your valuable contributions to this Special Issue.
Dr. Hosni Cherif
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- intervertebral disc
- disc degeneration
- low back pain
- disc aging
- disc herniation
- disc regeneration
- inflammation
- extracellular matrix
- collagen
- proteoglycans
- matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
- senescence
- quiescence
- apoptosis
- oxidative stress
- senotherapeutics
- cytokines
- growth factors
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