Gene may help identify individuals predisposed to developing osteoarthritis

Researchers at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal have identified a gene that modulates bone mass and could become a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis.

“The overall objective of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that determine the balance between bone formation and resorption (breakdown),” Jean Vacher, DSc, stated in an Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal press release. “Osteoblasts are responsible for making bones and work in synergy with osteoclasts, which reshape the bone. To gain insight into these complex mechanisms, we are studying the role of new genes that influence osteoclasts and osteoblasts.”

According to the findings, published in Cell Metabolism, the researchers have isolated a gene that modulates osteoclasts. They found that in mice, a loss of the gene’s function leads to a significant increase in the number of osteoclasts — generating an even higher level of bone resorption.

The regulating gene — Inpp4ba — has been found by the team to be a negative regulator of osteoclastogenesis through the NFATc1 signaling pathway. In addition to its loss of function promotion osteoporosis in mice, the gene has been associated with bone mineral density variability in humans — and identified as a “susceptibility locus” for osteoporosis.

“We identified this gene as a novel modulator of bone mineral density in mice and humans,” Vacher stated in the release. “More importantly, we showed that the human gene could represent a new susceptibility factor for osteoporosis. Hence, this discovery will help identify individuals with a greater predisposition to the disease who could benefit from preventive measures.”

Reference:

Ferron M, Boudiffa M, Arsenault M, et al. Inositol Polyphosphate 4-Phosphatase B as a Regulator of Bone Mass in Mice and Humans. Cell Metab. 2011. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2011.08.013

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