An adhesion G protein-coupled receptor is required in cartilaginous and dense connective tissues to maintain spine alignment

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spine disorder affecting children worldwide, yet little known about pathogenesis of this disorder. Here, we demonstrate that genetic regulation structural components axial skeleton, intervertebral discs, and dense connective tissues (i.e., ligaments tendons) essential for maintenance spinal alignment. We show adhesion G protein-coupled receptor ADGRG6, previously implicated in human AIS association studies, required these to maintain typical alignment mice. Furthermore, ADGRG6 regulates biomechanical properties tendon stimulates CREB signaling governing gene expression cartilaginous spine. Treatment with a cAMP agonist could mirror aspects function culture, thus defining core pathways regulating tissues. As key involved AIS, findings open up novel therapeutic opportunities scoliosis.