Degeneration of Lumbar Intervertebral Discs: Characterization of Anulus Fibrosus Tissue and Cells of Different Degeneration Grades

Intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation and degeneration is a major source of back pain. In order to regenerate a herniated and degenerated disc, closure of the anulus fibrosus (AF) is of crucial importance. For molecular characterization of AF, genome-wide Affymetrix HG-U133plus2.0 microarrays of native AF and cultured cells were investigated. To evaluate if cells derived from degenerated AF are able to initiate gene expression of a regenerative...