PRIMUS: Comprehensive proteomics of mouse intervertebral discs that inform novel biology and relevance to human disease modelling

•Proteomics of healthy mouse IVDs differentiating compartments and spine levels.•NP cells feature vacuoles with lysosomal, transport and cell–cell communication functions.•Collagen XII, decorin and other ECM proteins contribute to function of the AF.•Distinct proteomics between lumbar and tail discs.•Mouse is a relevant model for human disc biology but care is needed in its use.