About genetics of osteoarthritis
The recognition that genetic factors contribute substantially to the risk of osteoarthritis (OA) in the population has been important in changing the perception of the disease away from the view that it is the result of passive mechanical degeneration and towards the concept that it is driven by an active disease process in the joint. Advances in molecular genetic technology are enabling researchers to identify and characterise the function of specific genes involved in the disease. Using genome-wide association scan (GWAS) studies we can identify genes involved in OA pathogenesis, risk and progression. This genome wide approach will identify novel genes involved in the disease risk and progression. By investigating the function of those genes in vitro assays and animal models TREAT-OA will also deepen our understanding of the underlying molecular pathways associated with the disease.