Single‐Cell Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Multicellular Ecosystem of Nucleus Pulposus during Degeneration Progression (Adv. Sci. 3/2022)

Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Ancient Chinese astronomers divided the sky into four quarters. Each of the four directions contains seven of the twenty‐eight constellations. The four directions, collectively known as the Four Symbols, each assigned a mysterious animal. They are Azure Dragon on the east, Black Tortoise on the north, White Tiger on the west, and Vermilion Bird on the south. In article number 2103631, Ji Tu, Jun Zou, and co‐workers dissect the single‐cell transcriptomic panorama of intervertebral disc (IVD) nucleus pulposus during degeneration pathology. Their revealed cell atlas/subpopulations resembling ancient Chinese constellations. Just as ancient Chinese guided agricultural production and predicted human affairs via observed heavens, this study provides new insights and clues into studying the mechanisms of IVD degermation. [Image: see text]