Fig. 1: Design of a glycan glue for the damaged ECM of the NP tissue under IDD. | Nature Communications

Fig. 1: Design of a glycan glue for the damaged ECM of the NP tissue under IDD.

From: An enzyme-proof glycan glue for extracellular matrix to ameliorate intervertebral disc degeneration

Fig. 1: Design of a glycan glue for the damaged ECM of the NP tissue under IDD.

Inspired by our clinical evidence that the loss of the MFG-E8 protein along with GAGs in the ECM of NP is correlated with IDD development (upper row), we synthesized a GAG-mimicking glycan biomaterial (GMOC) with an optimal binding affinity for MFG-E8 and enzyme-resisting activity in the pathological tissue matrix (lower row). GMOC injected into the degenerated NP tissue functions as a glue for ECM to retain MFG-E8 and promote NP regeneration.

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