Using primary AF cell culture and spine organ culture methods, we confirmed that the degeneration and ossification of the Flnb−/− IVD was instigated by increased TGFβ/BMP signaling and that inhibition of specific TGFβ/BMP pathway components prevented the degeneration of Flnb−/− IVDs. This evidence concerns the gene FLNB and atrial fibrillation.