Regulating the fate of stem cells for regenerating the intervertebral disc degeneration

Table 1 Modifying genes essential for the development of intervertebral disc

Ref.	Protein (Gene)	Key findings
Choi et al[14], 2012	Sonic Hedgehog (SHH)	Sclerotome tissue formation, annulus fibrosus formation, chondrogenesis of sclerotome cells
Wijgerde et al[15], 2005	Noggin (NOG)	Antagonist of the BMP pathway, promotes Shh intracellular signaling cascade and Pax1 gene activation
Murtaugh et al[16], 1999	Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family	In the presence of Shh, promotes chondrocyte differentiation of somite-derived IVD progenitors
Peters et al[21], 1999	Paired Box 1 (PAX1)	Chondrogenic commitment of sclerotome cells
Sugimoto et al[27], 2013	SRY-Box 9 (SOX)	Regulates IVD tissue growth and development
Sohn et al[30], 2010	Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)	Development of vertebral bodies
Pearson et al[31], 2005	Homeodomain Protein (HOX)	Somite Patterning

IVD: Intervertebral disc.