Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterized by degradation of articular cartilage (the softer parts of bones) and the formation of new bone (known as osteophytes) at the margins of the joints.

Review Articles:

• The role of structural genes in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritic disorders - Arthritis Res., 2002.
• Articular cartilage and changes in Arthritis: Cell biology of osteoarthritis - Arthritis Res., 2001.

Associated Genes

AGC1
Encodes aggrecan 1 which can withstand compression in cartilage.

COL1A1
Encodes the alpha-1 chain of type I collagen.

COL2A1
Encodes the alpha-1 chain of type II collagen.

COL9A1
Encodes one of the three alpha chains of type IX collagen.

COL11A2
Encodes one of the two alpha chains of type XI collagen.

ESR1
Encodes estrogen receptor 1 (alpha).

FRZB
Encodes frizzled-related protein (reference)

IGF1
Encodes insulin-like growth factor 1.

IL1R
Encodes interleukin 1 receptor.

MATN1
Encodes cartilage matrix protein.

TGFB1
Encodes transforming growth factor, beta 1.

TIMP3
Encodes tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3.

VDR
Encodes vitamin D receptor.