Anatomically, the intervertebral disc consists of a gelatinous core known as nucleus pulposus (NP) surrounded by a lamella of fibrous cartilage termed annulus fibrosus.7, 8 NP cells play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of intervertebral discs via producing extracellular matrix (ECM) components, such as aggrecan as well as type II and type X collagen.9, 10 A growing body of evidence now suggests that aberrant NP cell functions, including altered cell proliferation, apoptosis, ECM production/degradation and cytokine secretion, are key to IDD pathogenesis.11, 12. The gene discussed is ACAN; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.