NFKB1 and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder: Activated IKK complex results in the phosphorylation of inhibitor of κB alpha (IκBα) and p65, which alter the downstream gene expression in NP cells.17, 18, 19 Hyperactivation of NF‐κB signalling is an essential step in promoting ECM catabolism and inflammatory cytokines production, which in turn could accelerate the progression of IDD.12