Collagenesis of mouse intervertebral disc contributes to spine stability

We discovered that coccygeal discs at the tail base undergo spontaneous collagenesis and experience high mechanical stress during flexion. These discs, termed as type C, differ from traditional discs by exhibiting reduced hydration and stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM), without typical degenerative markers. The decrease in notochord cells and increase in progenitor cells, combined with intensive collagenesis, contribute to ECM remodeling in type C discs.