Spatial transcriptomics of Slc16a1-Col2a1CreERT2 mouse spinal motion segments reveals compartment-distinct differences in the intervertebral disc

Glucose is known to be the primary energy source for the disc -- in which gets metabolized into lactate. While lactate efflux out of the NP is critical, the fate of lactate is undetermined.

Thus, we've generated Slc16a1-Col2a1CreERT2 mice which inhibit lactate transport into the AF and EP compartments of the disc. We took into an exploratory approach and employed spatial transcriptomics which allowed us to capture positional gene information, including crosstalk between disc compartments, in which otherwise would be lost without spatial sequencing. Our analysis revealed the consequences of long-term MCT1 inhibition in the AF- and endplates on gene expression.