MUC1 and pancreatic neoplasm: Since MUC1 may have an important role in disc aging and degeneration by acting as a regulator in the hypoxic environment (helping disc cells to survive under hypoxic conditions by stabilization and by activation of HIF-1α as previously recognized in pancreatic cancer cells), we look forward to future studies on the role of MUC1 in disc aging and degeneration.