Nucleus pulposus cell network modelling in the intervertebral disc

• Published in: NPJ systems biology and applications Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 13 - 17
• Main Authors: Tseranidou, Sofia, Segarra-Queralt, Maria, Chemorion, Francis Kiptengwer, Le Maitre, Christine Lyn, Piñero, Janet, Noailly, Jérôme
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 31.01.2025; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/553/2393; 631/553/2711; Bioinformatics; Biology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Cartilage; Collagen; Computational Biology/Bioinformatics; Computer Appl. in Life Sciences; Cytokines; Degeneration; Degenerative disc disease; Experimental research; Extracellular matrix; Extracellular Matrix - metabolism; Humans; Interleukin 1; Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist; Interleukin 1 receptors; Intervertebral Disc - cytology; Intervertebral Disc - metabolism; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration - metabolism; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration - pathology; Intervertebral discs; Knowledge; Life Sciences; Models, Biological; Nucleus pulposus; Nucleus Pulposus - cytology; Nucleus Pulposus - metabolism; Ordinary differential equations; Proteins; Systems Biology; Transforming Growth Factor beta - metabolism; Transforming growth factor-b
• ISSN: 2056-7189; 2056-7189
• DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00479-6

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) results from an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Due to complex biochemical interactions, a comprehensive understanding is needed. This study presents a regulatory network model (RNM) for nucleus pulposus cells (NPC), representing normal intervertebral disc (IVD) conditions. The RNM includes 33 proteins, and 153 interactions based on literature, incorporating key NPC regulatory mechanisms. A semi-quantitative approach calculates the basal steady state, accurately reflecting normal NPC activity. Model validation through published studies replicated pro-catabolic and pro-anabolic shifts, emphasizing the roles of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in ECM regulation. This IVD RNM is a valuable tool for predicting IDD progression, offering insights into ECM degradation mechanisms and guiding experimental research on IVD health and degeneration.