New gene could pave way for drugs against fractures

“In the experimental study,we could then establish that the gene had a crucial effect on the thickness and density of the femur. In mice without the Wnt16 gene,the strength of the femur was up to 61 per cent lower,” according to Mattias Lorentzon from University of Gothenburg.

The discovery opens up opportunities to develop new medicines to prevent the most common fractures.

“Low cortical bone mass is a decisive factor in,for example,hip and forearm fractures. Unfortunately,the treatments currently used for brittleness of the bones have very little effect on the cortical bone mass,” said Mattias Lorentzon.

Through the combined studies,researchers have succeeded in identifying a special gene,Wnt16,with a strong link to bone density and so-called cortical bone thickness,which is decisive to bone strength.

The genetic variation studied by the international research network could predict,for example,the risk of a forearm fracture in a large patient group of older women.

“If we can learn to stimulate the signaling routes of the Wnt16 gene,we could strengthen the skeleton in these parts too,thereby preventing the most common and serious fractures.

The discovery of Wnt16 and its regulation of cortical bone mass is therefore very important,” said Lorentzon.

The research involved more than 50 researchers from Europe,North America and Australia. The study was published in PLoS Genetics.