Inhibition of HDAC4 by GSK3β leads to downregulation of KLF5 and ASK1 and prevents the progression of intravertebral disc degeneration.

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain. This study aimed at exploring the effects of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) and its upstream and downstream signaling molecules on IDD development.

Methods: A murine IDD model was established by inducing a needle puncture injury to the vertebrate, whereupon we isolated and transfected of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.