Multiscale Response of Intervertebral Cells to the Nutritional Stimuli: Regulatory Network Based Modeling Approach

The intervertebral disc (IVD) is one of the largest avascular tissues in the human body, located between adjacent vertebrae to distribute loads, absorb shocks, and provide spinal flexibility. Due to its avascular nature, nutrient and waste transport in and out of the IVD relies on concentration-driven diffusion. An imbalance in nutritional conditions can lead to IVD degeneration, a major cause of lower back pain, one of the most common health issues worldwide. This project aims to explore the multiscale response of IVD cells to varying nutritional stimuli using a regulatory network-based modeling approach. At the molecular level, the expression of essential growth factor proteins, cytokines, chemokines, and proteases influences cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. These cellular activities, in turn, can drive catabolic or anabolic metabolism, ultimately affecting the tissue-level properties of the IVD. The development and implementation proposed aim to predict personalised biological risk factors for intervertebral disc degeneration, while the evolution thereof is still subclinical.

 

Supervisors: Zerihun Workineh, Jérôme Noailly