Autophagy activation alleviates annulus fibrosus degeneration via the miR-2355-5p/mTOR pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration disease (IVDD) is a major cause of disability and reduced work productivity worldwide. Annulus fibrosus degeneration is a key contributor to IVDD, yet its mechanisms remain poorly understood. Autophagy, a vital process for cellular homeostasis, involves the lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic proteins and organelles. This study aimed to investigate the role of autophagy in IVDD using a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced model of rat annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs).

Methods

AFCs were exposed to H₂O₂ to model oxidative stress-induced degeneration. Protein expression levels of collagen I, collagen II, MMP3, and MMP13 were quantified. GEO database analysis identified alterations in miR-2355-5p e

SUBMITTER: Yu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11755947 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature