Controlling the Body’s Internal Clock in Spinal Disc Tissue Using Biomaterials

Circadian clock-regulating biomaterials (ClockMPs) can promote disc regeneration in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD).

• ClockMPs activate the intrinsic circadian clock of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) to improve their physiological function.
• In vitro experiments show that ClockMPs can scavenge reactive oxygen species, stabilizing the microenvironment for the circadian clock.
• ClockMPs regulate the expression of core circadian clock genes by activating the PI3K-AKT pathway in NPCs.
• The activation of the circadian clock in NPCs promotes extracellular matrix synthesis.
• In vivo experiments indicate that ClockMPs can enhance disc regeneration by influencing the circadian clock of NPCs.

Simplified