PHLPP1 and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder: Although we are not able to study the direct effect of Phlpp1 depletion on NP cells, the positive correlation of Phlpp1 with IVD degeneration and apoptosis strongly suggests a role of Phlpp1 in human NP and AF during IDD, thus future research is warranted to verify the protective role of Phlpp1 deficiency in human NP cell culture studies.