Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (23): 5925-5933.doi: 10.12307/2026.787

Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application and progress of transcriptomics and proteomics techniques in the study of intervertebral disc degeneration

Zhou Tianle1, Wang Wei2, 3, Zhang Zhiwen2, Liu Ximing3    

  1. 1College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
  • Received:2025-08-04 Accepted:2025-11-20 Online:2026-08-18 Published:2025-12-30
  • Contact: Wang Wei, MD, Associate chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hubei Provincial Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan 430070, Hubei Province, China
  • About author:Zhou Tianle, MS candidate, College of Acupuncture and Orthopedics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China
  • Supported by:
    2023-2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Research Project of Hubei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. ZY2023F006 (to WW); 2023-2024 Traditional Chinese Medicine Youth Talent Project of Hubei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. ZY2023Q005 (to ZZW)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a chronic spinal disease characterized by accelerated apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and decomposition of the extracellular matrix, which often leads to low back pain and spinal dysfunction. The molecular mechanism has not been fully understood, hindering the development of precision treatment strategies. Transcriptomics technology can be used to deeply analyze gene expression patterns, and proteomics technology can be used to identify protein function dynamics. The combined application of these two technologies provides an important means to elucidate the pathological mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration.
OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of transcriptomics and proteomics technologies in intervertebral disc degeneration, and discuss the key roles of these two omics technologies in analyzing molecular mechanisms, screening diagnostic markers, and exploring therapeutic targets.
METHODS: A computerized search of relevant literature published from January 1995 to April 2025 in PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and SinoMed databases was performed using the search terms “transcriptomics, ribonucleic acid sequencing, proteomics, intervertebral disc degeneration, nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus, cartilage endplate” in English and Chinese. A total of 24 articles were ultimately selected for relevant analysis after excluding duplicate and irrelevant literature.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Transcriptome studies have elucidated the dynamic evolution of gene expression in intervertebral disc degeneration, and revealed key regulatory networks involving apoptosis, inflammation, and matrix breakdown. Proteomics analysis provided insights into the dynamic changes of protein composition in the nucleus pulposus and annulus fibrosus, highlighting the key roles of matrix metalloproteinases and cytokines in matrix degradation. The combination of the two provides a multi-dimensional perspective on the molecular mechanism of intervertebral disc degeneration and enhances the depth of mechanism research. The comprehensive analysis revealed that the synergistic application of transcriptomics and proteomics has significant potential in revealing the molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Key words: intervertebral disc degeneration, transcriptomics, proteomics, intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus, annulus fibrosus

CLC Number: