Ma Lab
Principal Investigator: Yajun Ma
Institution: University of California San Diego (La Jolla, CA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
Abstract Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration and related low back pain (LBP) affect up to 85% of the U.S. population over their lifetime, resulting in annual healthcare costs that exceed $100 billion. The IVD is largely avascular and consists of a central proteoglycan (PG)-rich nucleus pulposus (NP), and a surrounding collagen- rich annulus fibrosus (AF), as well as superiorly and inferiorly located endplates. The IVD relies on diffusion of nutrients and waste through the cartilaginous endplate (CEP) to maintain its health. IVD degeneration is characterized by loss of PGs, dehydration of the NP, collagen loss within the AF, and degradation of the CEP. Dehydration and calcification of the CEP reduce its diffusivity, leading to a reduction in oxygen and glucose transport to the remainder of the disc. Changes in the CEP may occur at the same time or even precede disc degeneration. Evaluation of this complex situation requires a comprehensive, non-invasive imaging technique that can assess PG in the NP, collagen in the AF, and diffusivity of the CEP. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the diagnosis of IVD degeneration. However, conventional MRI techniques do not p…
Active NIH Awards
- 5R01AR079484-05: Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. (2026)
- 5R01AR079484-04: Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. (2025)
- 5R01AR079484-03: Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Intervertebral Disc. (2024)
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