Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) is a common issue that plagues millions of people worldwide, especially as the population continues to age. Chronic lower back pain and mobility issues are often the result of deteriorating spinal disks. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Macau offers a promising solution in the form of a revolutionary “sugar glue” designed to repair damaged spinal disks.
Led by Professor Chunming Wang in collaboration with Professor Dong Lei of Nanjing University and supported by Professor Geng Dechun’s team at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, the research introduces a glucomannan-based solution that targets a crucial protein to restore disk health. The study, titled “An enzyme-proof glycan glue for extracellular matrix to ameliorate intervertebral disk degeneration,” was published in Nature Communications.
The research team identified Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor 8 (MFG-E8) as a key protein for maintaining disk integrity by screening the Human Musculoskeletal System gene expression database (MSdb) and clinical samples. MFG-E8 is a glycoprotein that plays a vital role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, promoting cell adhesion, remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM), and maintaining tissue microenvironment balance.
The team developed a glucomannan ester, GMOC, that mimics natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) like hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate found in healthy nucleus pulposus tissue. Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid fillers that degrade rapidly in degenerative environments, GMOC is resistant to enzymatic degradation, providing stability at the implantation site.
Experiments showed that GMOC had the highest affinity for MFG-E8 compared to other derivatives, forming complexes that mimic natural GAGs-MFG-E8 interactions. In animal models, GMOC injections alleviated early-stage degeneration in rats by enhancing tissue hydration, maintaining disk height, and improving mechanical stability. In a rabbit model of partial disk resection, GMOC filling effectively maintained tissue integrity over an extended period.
While the study yielded promising results, the team acknowledged the need to further explore MFG-E8’s role in tissue repair, particularly by developing MFG-E8 knockout rat models to clarify its regulatory mechanisms. Collaborations with global researchers are essential to advance this research and uncover new insights into spinal disk repair.
In conclusion, the development of an enzyme-proof glycan glue offers a groundbreaking approach to treating intervertebral disk degeneration and improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic back pain. The innovative solution holds immense potential for revolutionizing spinal health and paving the way for future advancements in the field.
