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Tracing Notochord-Derived Cells Using A Noto-Cre Mouse: Implications For Intervertebral Disc Development., Matthew R Mccann, Owen J Tamplin, Janet Rossant, Cheryle A Séguin

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

Back pain related to intervertebral disc degeneration is the most common musculoskeletal problem, with a lifetime prevalence of 82%. The lack of effective treatment for this widespread problem is directly related to our limited understanding of disc development, maintenance and degeneration. The aim of this study was to determine the developmental origins of nucleus pulposus cells within the intervertebral disc using a novel notochord-specific Cre mouse. To trace the fate of notochordal cells within the intervertebral disc, we derived a notochord-specific Cre mouse line by targeting the homeobox gene Noto. Expression of this gene is restricted to the node and …