Small molecule-enrichment analysis in response to osmotic stimuli in the intervertebral disc

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a heterogeneous structure that contributes to load support and flexibility in the spine. IVD cells experience a broad range of physical stimuli under physiological conditions, including alterations in their osmotic environment. To date, the molecular mechanisms regulating the response of IVD to osmotic pressure are still not well understood. We obtained the gene expression profile of human IVD cells from NCBI and looked for potential therapeutic drug candidates. Based on microarray data, we concluded that RAP2A and GNA13 appear to have a role in response to osmotic stimuli in intervertebral discs. Using a computational bioinformatics method, we determined that thioridazine has potential as a therapeutic drug candidate for regulating osmotic pressure changes in IVD cells. We anticipate that our results will be used to generate hypotheses for laboratory, patient, and population-based studies.

Deficiency in the α1 subunit of Na+/K+‐ATPase Enhances the Anti‐Proliferative Effect of High Osmolality in Nucleus Pulposus Intervertebral Disc Cells

“…An early attempt to monitor global transcriptional changes in intervertebral disc cells has been made that identified 42 genes differentially expressed after hyperosmotic treatment (Boyd et al, ). Interestingly, when the same data was re‐analyzed by a different group, this number raised to 243 genes (Ma et al, ).…”

Identification of key genes associated with the effect of osmotic stimuli on intervertebral discs using microarray analysis

“…Traditionally, inflammation has mostly been observed as detrimental and is associated with disease progression. Although the etiology remains unknown, the osmolality has been identified to be associated with IVD disease (8)(9)(10). Katz (7) reported that the osmotic environment exerted an appreciable effect on gene expression and also affected responses to mechanical stimuli.…”