RNA sequencing reveals RNA binding protein HuR/ELAVL1 regulates extracellular matrix gene expression in nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc

We used RNA sequencing to identify transcripts that were controlled by the RNA binding factor HuR/ELAVL1 in nucleus pulposus cells of the intervertebral disc. Overall design: Nucleus pulposus cells were isolated from rat intervertebral discs and cultured under hypoxic conditions. Cells were transduced with either control (MISSION PLKO.1 non-target ShRNA) or HuR-specific shRNA (ShHuR). mRNA was isolated using Rneasy mini columns (Qiagen), treated with DNase I, and RNA sequencing was performed. n=4 for each experimental group.