PHLPP1 and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder: Utilizing human IVD tissues and in vivo Phlpp1 KO mouse IVD injury models, we (1) investigated the correlation of Phlpp1 expression with human IDD, and (2) mechanistically evaluated the role of Phlpp1 on IVD cellularity and matrix degradation in the progression of IDD by utilizing a needle puncture mouse model.