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. 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.