Nine genes identified affecting bone density In a recent study,
Scientists have identified nine genes that are likely to weaken
or strengthen bone that may prove quite fruitful in the
effective treatment of osteoporosis affecting millions across
the globe. Out of 100 'knockout mice,' with one gene disabled in
each one, scientists identified these genes that was seen
responsible to weaken or strengthen bone. Osteoporosis is a
disease of bones that leads to an increased risk of fracture.
Peter Croucher, professor from Sydney's Garvan Institute of
Medical Research, with Duncan Bassett and Graham Williams,
professor from Imperial College London, and colleagues at the
Sanger Institute, carried out the experiment micro-CT and
digital x-ray microradiography to measure whether or not each of
the first 100 genes impacted upon bone. "We wanted to see what
screening the first 100 knockout mice off the pipeline would
tell us about the impact of these genes on bone, and whether or
not our approach was an effective one," C