World’s first major genome screen for osteoarthritis
October 2007University of Manchester scientists are part of the world’s first search of the human genome for genetic risk factors for osteoarthritis.
The Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) plans to run a definitive genome-wide association study of osteoarthritis susceptibility called arcOGEN; the largest study of its kind ever undertaken. The study will involve screening the DNA of 8,000 people suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip and knee and 6,000 healthy people to compare the differences.
Professor Bill Ollier, Director of the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research (CIGMR) and Dr Gillian Wallis from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research are among several genetic experts who are part of the UK-wide consortium.
The aim of the arcOGEN study is to identify the genetic changes, known as polymorphisms, which increase the risk of people developing osteoarthritis. The charity expects that this could lead to several potential breakthroughs such as genetic tests becoming available to predict who is likely to develop osteoarthritis, particularly at a young age, and how severely. Ultimately it could lead to new drugs that could slow down disease progression and even prevent osteoarthritis occurring.
The two year study will be funded by a grant of £2.2m - the largest single grant ever awarded by the medical research charity.
Blood samples from all over the UK will be sent to the laboratories of CIGMR where DNA will be prepared for large-scale genotyping studies. CIGMR has automated processes for conducting large-scale population studies and already houses large collections of DNA for other disease studies.
Professor Ollier said: “This is a major study to help identify the underlying genetic factors explaining osteoarthritis and Manchester is pleased to be involved in such a significant project. The UK is leading the field in the area of genetic studies of common diseases such as arthritis, and this arc-funded study will take forward our understanding of why some people develop osteoarthritis.”
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, affecting more than two million older people in the UK, causing pain and stiffness as the cartilage at the ends of bones wears away.
