Understanding of disc NP‐cell fate and intracellular signaling is essential as the pathology of degenerative disc disease is widely thought to be originated from NP.27 Moreover, compared with disc AF cells, NP cells are susceptible against the environmental changes in nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and inflammation,82 thereby suggesting a deeper involvement of autophagy and mTOR signaling. This evidence concerns the gene MTOR and intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.