Single-cell sequencing reveals cellular heterogeneity of nucleus pulposus in intervertebral disc degeneration

Nucleus pulposus (NP) plays a vital role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Previous studies have revealed cellular heterogeneity in the NP tissue during IVDD progression. Here, we used single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze the cellular and molecular alterations of diverse cell clusters during IVDD. NP tissues were obtained from patients diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation at L4/L5 or L5/S1 levels, who were undergoing endoscopic lumbar discectomy. The removed NP tissues were digested into single cell suspension and analyzed using scRNA-seq.