Deletion of a <i>Pax1</i> Sex‐Associated Genomic Region Associated With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Leads to Disc Degeneration, Instability, and Vertebral Rotation in Mice

Background: which is significantly associated with female AIS risk. Methods: -SARΔ). Spines were examined by both micro-CT and histology. Gene expression analysis (by RNA-sequencing and quantitative PCR) was carried out on E12.5 and E18.5 developing spines. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was also measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: , while RNA-sequencing at E18.5 revealed sex-dependent changes in gene expression related to extracellular matrix components, immune and inflammatory responses, and scoliosis. Conclusion: sex-associated genomic region in the development and maintenance of functional cartilage, extracellular matrix integrity, and intervertebral disc health, offering insights into the mechanisms underlying spinal degeneration and instability in AIS.