Single-cell atlas unveils cellular heterogeneity and novel markers in human neonatal and adult intervertebral discs

The origin, composition, distribution, and function of cells in the human intervertebral disc (IVD) have not been fully understood. Here, cell atlases of both human neonatal and adult IVDs have been generated and further assessed by gene ontology pathway enrichment, pseudo-time trajectory, histology, and immunofluorescence. Comparison of cell atlases revealed the presence of two subpopulations of notochordal cells (NCs) and their associated markers in both the neonatal and adult IVDs. Developmental trajectories predicted 7 different cell states that describe the developmental process from neonatal to adult cells in IVD and analyzed the NC’s role in the IVD development. A high heterogeneity and gradual transition of annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) in the neonatal IVD was detected and their potential relevance in IVD development assessed. Collectively, comparing single-cell atlases between neonatal and adult IVDs delineates the landscape of IVD cell biology and may help discover novel therapeutic targets for IVD degeneration.