Enhancement of intervertebral disc cell senescence by WNT/β‐catenin signaling–induced matrix metalloproteinase expression

Abstract

The activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling promotes cellular senescence and may modulate MMP and TGFβ signaling in NP cells. We hypothesize that the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling may lead to an increased breakdown of the matrix, thereby promoting IVD degeneration.