In addition, elevated p53 levels in NPC stimulate apoptosis by upregulating the expression of NDRG2 and regulating the development and DDR 1 (REDD1)/thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) complex, which in turn aggravates IDD [37, 271]. The gene discussed is TXNIP; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.