SM/J mice display spontaneous early onset disc degeneration link to ion transport system and matrisome changes

To fully apprehend the complex mechanisms responsible for intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, one needs to gain a deeper understanding of what characterizes a good and bad intervertebral disc. Using a quantitative proteomic approach, we compared methodically the differences existing between a mouse model known as good healer LG/J to another mouse model characterize as bad healer SM/J. A total of 5245 proteins were identified. By assessing the overlap of the NP LG/J and SM/J proteomic signature with a list of over 1000 matrisomal proteins generated by Naba and co-workers (33), we provide a first comprehensive comparison of NP IVD matrix composition in a good and bad condition and identify potential changes that are fundamental for maintenance of a healthy disc.