Analysis of MMP28 gene expression in disc biopsies, which was grouped according to the degree of IVD degeneration (Thompson grade), is shown in Figure 1a: MMP28 was expressed in most of the analyzed disc samples and higher expression levels were found in samples removed because of spine trauma (Thomson grade II = normal adult discs with no disc degeneration). The gene discussed is MMP28; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.