Translating osteoarthritis genetics research: challenging times ahead

The ultimate goal of molecular genetic studies of human diseases is to translate the discoveries for patient benefit. For diseases that lack licensed disease-modifying therapeutics, such as osteoarthritis (OA), the need is acute. OA is polygenic and affects older individuals, with a recent genom e-wide study of over 800 000 individuals adding 52 novel association signals to those already reported on for this common arthritis. Many of the predicted effector genes of these signals encode proteins that are targets of drugs for other indications, highlighting repurposing opportunities. Here, the potential for OA genetic data to translate is discussed, including whether the developmental origin of OA will limit the application of genetic risk data for disease-modificati on purposes.

Automated summary

The ultimate goal of molecular genetic studies of human diseases is to benefit patients through translation of discoveries. The lack of licensed disease-modifying therapies for diseases like osteoarthritis (OA) creates an urgent need. OA is a polygenic disease that primarily affects older individuals, and recent genome-wide studies have identified 52 novel association signals. Many of these signals involve effector genes that encode proteins targeted by drugs for other indications, indicating potential repurposing opportunities. This article discusses the potential for translating OA genetic data and whether the developmental origin of OA may limit its use for disease modification.