Scientists map 43 genetic risk factors for broken bones
Researchers identified 26 new genes linked to forearm fractures, the most common osteoporotic breaks, using data from 100,000 patients. The findings could reshape how doctors predict fracture risk and design new treatments—a significant opportunity in a costly disease affecting millions worldwide.
Originaltitel: An atlas of genetic determinants of forearm fracture
<p>Osteoporotic fracture is among the most common and costly of diseases. While reasonably heritable, its genetic determinants have remained elusive. Forearm fractures are the most common clinically recognized osteoporotic fractures with a relatively high heritability. To establish an atlas of the genetic determinants of forearm fractures, we performed genome-wide association analyses including 100,026 forearm fracture cases. We identified 43 loci, including 26 new fracture loci. Although most fracture loci associated with bone mineral density, we also identified loci that primarily regulate bone quality parameters. Functional studies of one such locus, at <em>TAC4</em>, revealed that <em>Tac4<sup>–/–</sup></em> mice have reduced mechanical bone strength. The strongest forearm fracture signal, at <em>WNT16</em>, displayed remarkable bone-site-specificity with no association with hip fractures. Tall stature and low body mass index were identified as new causal risk factors for fractures. The insights from this atlas may improve fracture prediction and enable therapeutic development to prevent fractures.</p>