Third genetic link found for osteoarthritis

A third genetic link has been associated with osteroarthritis in a new study, potentially improving treatment for those with the condition who may be using home care.

The study, published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, found that the disease-associated variant is present in the gene MCF2L.

It is found on chromosome 13 and regulates a nerve growth factor (NGF), according to scientists from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute research, who used data from the 1000 Genomes Project in their investigation.

Previous research has discovered that when people with osteroarthritis in the knee are treated with a humanised monoclonal antibody against NGF, they report less pain and show movement improvement.

First author Aaron Day-Williams commented: "We hope the identification of this variant will lead to further insights into the biological processes at work and offer potential treatment targets."

According to a New York University team, powerful new MRI technology could identify osteoarthritis in its early stages, improving the treatment options of those with the condition.

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