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    Inhibition of Hypersialylation in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Modulates Inflammation and Metabolism


    Joyce, Kieran, Scheper, Aert F., Phyo, Aung Myat, O'Flaherty, Roisin, Drake, Richard, Devitt, Aiden, Marchetti‐Deschmann, Martina, Saldova, Radka and Pandit, Abhay (2026) Inhibition of Hypersialylation in Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Modulates Inflammation and Metabolism. Advanced Science, 13 (6). ISSN 2198-3844

    Abstract

    Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a major cause of low back pain (LBP), a significant global health burden. While glycosylation plays a key role in cellular signaling and inflammation, its role in IVD degeneration remains poorly understood. This study characterizes glycan alterations in human healthy and degenerated IVDs using glycomic (UPLC‐MS, MALDI‐IMS) and proteomic (LC‐MS) analyses, combined with functional studies. These results identify hypersialylation, especially α‐2,6‐linked sialic acid, as a prominent feature of degenerated IVDs. In vitro inhibition of sialylation (3Fax‐peracetyl Neu5Ac) in nucleus pulposus cells demonstrates reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling, indicating a functional role for hypersialylation in IVD pathology. Targeting glycosylation pathways, notably sialylation, emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy for IVD degeneration.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Inhibition of Hypersialylation; Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Modulates; Inflammation and Metabolism;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Chemistry
    Item ID: 21424
    Identification Number: 10.1002/advs.202506669
    Depositing User: Roisin O'Flaherty
    Date Deposited: 13 Apr 2026 15:52
    Journal or Publication Title: Advanced Science
    Publisher: Wiley
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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