How aging cells drive spinal disc wear and back pain
Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence Driving Intervertebral Disc Aging through Local Cell Autonomous and Systemic Non-Cell Autonomous Processes
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11261085
This project looks at whether aging cells inside spinal discs or aging cells elsewhere in the body cause disc breakdown and related back pain, and which aging pathways are responsible.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261085 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers want to understand why intervertebral discs wear down with age and why that leads to back pain. They will examine disc tissue, cells, and animal models to compare local effects of aging cells in the disc versus signals from aging cells in other parts of the body. The team will focus on two cellular aging pathways, called p16 and p21, and measure inflammatory and tissue-degrading factors known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The goal is to see which pathway and which source of aging cells most strongly drives disc degeneration, which could point to targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be older adults with age-related disc degeneration or people undergoing spine surgery who can donate disc tissue for research.
Not a fit: People whose back pain is caused by recent injury, infection, or non-degenerative conditions may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow or prevent disc degeneration and reduce age-related back pain.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies targeting senescent cells have shown promise in reducing tissue aging, but human treatments for disc degeneration remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: VO, NAM V — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: VO, NAM V
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.