DDRGK1 preserves intervertebral disc development through ufmylation.

ABSTRACT: UFMylation, similar to ubiquitination, is a unique post-translational modification which is indispensable in hematopoiesis, neurogenesis and chondrogenesis. However, its role in intervertebral disc development remains unclear. In this study, we focused on DDRGK domain containing protein 1 (DDRGK1), a pivotal component involved in UFMylation, and generated Ddrgk1^fl/fl; Acan-CreER^T2 (Ddrgk1^cKO) mice to explore DDRGK1's regulatory function in the nucleus pulposus and cartilage endplate. We found that Ddrgk1 conditional knockout led to severe retardation of spinal growth, disruption of disc cellularity and initiation of disc degeneration during early postnatal phase. Furthermore, Ddrgk1 conditional knockout in late postnatal phase resulted in profound degenerat

SUBMITTER: Lu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12799856 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature