The fact that loss of GLUT1 expression in the disc does not result in disc degeneration, transcriptomic changes, or metabolic disruption was baffling, especially considering the prominence of GLUT1 as a highly enriched NP phenotypic marker and the requirement for GLUT1 in the functional maintenance of other skeletal tissues, including bone and cartilage (27, 28, 31). The gene discussed is SLC2A1; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.