Collagen and Proteoglycan Abnormalities in the GDF-5-Deficient Mice and Molecular Changes When Treating Disk Cells With Recombinant Growth Factor

Abstract

The intervertebral disc is markedly affected by GDF-5 deficiency. This relatively simple (single gene) system with a known molecular defect may be useful in studies designed to define the response of the intervertebral disc to treatment with growth factor in vivo.