BRD4 inhibition delays IDD by regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK1) signaling pathway to activate autophagy and inhibit the senescence and apoptosis of NP cells. Here, MTOR is linked to intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.