Method for obtaining an index relating to the state of an intervertebral disc, a method for treating or preventing an intervertebral disc disorder, and a method for evaluating potential or quality of nucleus pulposus cell population
The purpose of the present invention is to provide intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus stem cells or progenitor cells that may be used for treatment of intervertebral disk disorders. The present invention provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus cell characterized by being isolated from the intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus of a vertebrate and being positive for at least one surface marker from among Tie2 and GD2. That is, the present invention provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus stem cell characterized by being at least Tie2-positive for the surface marker and possessing self-renewal ability as well as multipotency capable of differentiating into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and neurons. The present invention also provides an intervertebral disk nucleus pulposus progenitor cell characterized by being at least Tie2-negative and GD2-positive for the surface marker and capable of differentiating into any of adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and neurons.
