The Role of TFEB-Regulated Autophagy in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration and Its Therapeutic Potential

Abstract: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major cause of chronic low back pain, driven by nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) senescence, extracellular matrix imbalance, and chronic inflammation. Transcription Factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis, has emerged as a pivotal player in degenerative diseases. By modulating autophagy-related genes, TFEB promotes the clearance of damaged components and maintains metabolic homeostasis in NPCs. Its dysfunction impairs autophagic flux, exacerbating cellular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ECM degradation, thereby accelerating IVDD progression. Critically, this review is the first to systematically synthesize evidence positioning TFEB at the nexus of these pathological processes, establishing it as an integrative therapeutic target. We detail the molecular regulation of TFEB and its dysfunction in IVDD. Furthermore, we evaluate emerging TFEB-targeted strategies and discuss the key translational challenges. This work provides not only a mechanistic synthesis but also a forward-looking perspective on overcoming bottlenecks in TFEB-based therapy for IVDD. Keywords: TFEB, intervertebral disc degeneration, autophagy flux, nucleus pulposus cells