In studies using IDD rat models and NPCs, NGR1 inactivated the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, improved NPC function, and inhibited pyroptosis, while promoting ECM synthesis and reducing proinflammatory cytokine mRNA expression both in vitro and in vivo (Tang et al., 2021). The gene discussed is NLRP3; the disease is intervertebral disk degenerative disorder.