Abstract: Telomerase, as a highly specific ribonucleoprotein, is composed by the RNA template and protein subunits. It can delay or prevent the process of disc degeneration by maintaining telomere length homeostasis as well as affecting the p53-p21-pRb pathway, p16Ink41-pRb pathway and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway. Telomerase can regulate the senescence and apoptosis of intervertebral disc cell, expected to prevention and repair reconstruction of the structure by telomerase gene therapy of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Key words: telomerase, intervertebral disc degeneration, signaling pathway, review