Protein phosphatase 2A controls cell recycling in spinal disc center and may worsen damage through the AKT/mTOR pathway

PP2Ac expression significantly increased in NPCs with higher degeneration grades.

• Elevated PP2Ac expression was observed in degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.
• Induction of NP cell degeneration resulted in increased PP2Ac levels in vitro.
• Higher PP2Ac expression correlated with decreased collagen type 2 and increased MMP13 levels.
• Increased levels of LC3B and Bcl-2, along with decreased P62, were noted.
• Knockdown of PP2Ac altered gene expression in the PI3K-AKT and mTOR signaling pathways.
• Activation of PP2Ac was linked to reduced intervertebral disc height and hydration in rats.

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