Osteoporosis gene study reveals potential new treatment targets

Scientists have identified a number of new genetic variants that are implicated in the development ofosteoporosis following a major study. The research, led by the University of Queensland in Australia and McGill University in Canada, have carried out the largest ever genetic study of osteoporosis, with their findings potentially paving the way for new approaches to treating the bone disease. A broad-ranging study The study was published in the medical journal Nature Genetics and analysed data from more than 140,000 individuals from the UK Biobank, with bone mineral density assessments taken from ultrasounds of the heel. Assessing this information allowed the team to identify 153 new gene variants associated with the loss of bone mineral density, which often result in fractures. Of 8,540 participants who reported previous fractures from falls, associations were made with 12 of the new gene regions. Of particular note was the discovery of a strongly implicated gene called GPC6, which had not previously been linked to osteoporosis, as well as the fact that the new gene variants account for 12 per cent of the heritability of the disease. Potential new therapeutic approaches Overall, the research triples the number of genes known to be implicated in the loss of bone mineral density, and could underpin future efforts to develop screening programmes to identify individuals who would benefit most from preventive measures. Professor David Evans, a researcher at the University of Quee...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news