USP39 inhibits MLKL phosphorylation and deubiquitination to suppress necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and attenuate intervertebral disc degeneration.

BACKGROUND

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a leading cause of chronic low back pain. Programmed cell death, particularly necroptosis, contributes to nucleus pulposus (NP) cell loss. Mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) phosphorylation plays a critical role in necroptotic execution, but its upstream regulation in IVDD remains poorly defined.

METHODS

We analyzed human and mouse degenerative disc tissues, as well as TNF-α/Smac mimetic/Z-VAD-FMK (TSZ)-treated NP cells, to assess MLKL phosphorylation. MLKL knockdown in human NP cells and conditional knockout (CKO) in mice were performed to determine its functional role. Immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry identified potential MLKL-binding proteins. Functional assays with USP39 knockdown/overexpression, together with in vitro and in vivo IVDD models, were conducted to explore regulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

MLKL phosphorylation was markedly elevated in human IVDD tissues, LSI-induced mouse discs, and TSZ-stimulated NP cells. Genetic knockdown or conditional deletion of Mlkl significantly preserved extracellular matrix integrity and delayed degeneration. USP39 was identified as a novel MLKL-interacting deubiquitinase. USP39 expression was reduced in IVDD, and its overexpression inhibited MLKL ubiquitination and phosphorylation, alleviating NP cell degeneration. In vivo, AAV-mediated Usp39 delivery attenuated disc degeneration and suppressed MLKL activation.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that MLKL phosphorylation drives necroptosis in IVDD and identifies USP39 as a critical upstream regulator that deubiquitinates MLKL. Targeting the USP39-MLKL axis provides a promising therapeutic strategy for delaying IVDD progression.

THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE: This study reveals that USP39 inhibits MLKL phosphorylation through deubiquitination, thereby suppressing necroptosis of nucleus pulposus cells and alleviating IVDD. Targeting the USP39-MLKL axis provides a potential therapeutic strategy to preserve NP cell viability and slow the progression of IVDD, offering new insight for translational interventions in chronic low back pain.