The IDD process is associated with a shift in the homeostatic balance between anabolism and catabolism; thus, it results in a decreased secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, particularly aggrecan and collagen IIα1 (4), and an enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are the key matrix-degrading proteases involved in IDD progression (5). The gene discussed is ACAN; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.