Warin, J. | Search bioRxiv

bioRxiv2026

Recapitulating the notochord to nucleus pulposus transition from human mesendoderm progenitors in 3D

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, a major cause of low back pain, is driven by the disruption of nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue homeostasis. The NP arises from embryonic notochord cells that differentiate and adapt to the hypoxic, matrix-rich environment of the developing disc. Recapitulating the developmental trajectory from notochordal progenitors to NP-like cells in vitro remains challenging, as most protocols bypass early specification steps and fail to capture this understudied lineage. Here, using a three-dimensional (3D) system, we reconstruct this developmental path from human pluripotent stem cells into mesendoderm progenitor cells (MEPCs), notochord-like cells (NLCs), and NP-like cells, guided by single-cell transcriptomics and spatial profiling. We identify MEPCs as a distinct progenitor population with a unique gene signature and conserved regulatory networks (GSC, KLF8, LHX1, MIXL1) shared with early organizer and mesendodermal cells. Self-organization in MEPCs-derived aggregates induced spontaneous expression of NOTO, a key transcription factor orchestrating notochordal identity, and enhanced commitment to notochordal fate. Long-term culture in a medium containing TGF-{beta}1 and GDF-5 promoted maturation into SOX9+, KRT8+, CD109+ NP-like cells exhibiting robust matrix deposition and prominent LAMP1-positive intracytoplasmic vacuoles. This scalable, physiologically relevant model enables fundamental studies of human disc biology and early degenerative processes, while advancing regenerative strategies.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

Spatiotemporal cellular dynamics of the notochord shape intervertebral disc morphogenesis in the mouse embryo through apoptosis and proliferation

BackgroundThe notochord is a midline structure essential for vertebrate embryogenesis, contributing to the development of the nervous system, digestive tract, and vertebral column. In particular, notochord signaling is indispensable for proper patterning and coordinated development of alternating vertebrae and intervertebral discs (IVDs). Later, notochordal cells (NCs) mature and adopt a characteristic vacuolated morphology before giving rise to the core of the forming IVD, the nucleus pulposus (NP). Postnatally, NCs play pivotal role in maintaining disc integrity through the secretion of specific factors and extracellular matrix (ECM). Despite its importance in disc formation and homeostasis, the morphogenetic mechanisms underlying the notochords transformation into the NP are insufficiently characterized. ResultsWe conducted a comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical analysis to investigate the cellular events governing NP formation in the mouse developing spine. Temporal analysis of intracytoplasmic vacuole formation using Lamp1 marker revealed their contribution to NP growth, while cell density progressively decreased. In addition, quantitative analyses demonstrated a notable proliferative capacity within notochordal cells coupled with region-specific apoptotic activity in the sclerotome, at future disc sites. ConclusionsThis study highlights the intricate balance of cellular proliferation, programmed cell death, matrix remodeling, and vacuolation dynamics as key determinants in shaping the NP along the rostro-caudal axis. Key Findings- Spatiotemporal cellular changes drive the transition from notochord to nucleus pulposus - Future disc regions show selective notochord proliferation and sclerotome cell death - Notochord vacuolization and matrix deposition contribute to nucleus pulposus morphogenesis

developmental biology↗