Project 171999

Osteoporotic fractures are a common and debilitating problem, which are strongly influenced by our genes. Although many environmentally determined risk factors for osteoporotic fractures have been identified, they are lacking in their ability to identify individuals at risk for fractures and furthermore, the genetic determinants of osteoporotic fractures are largely unknown. We propose to develop a resource of DNA samples of individuals who have experienced osteoporotic fractures to enable the identification of the pathways involved in susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures. We will then employ emerging technologies, in cooperation with international collaborators, to identify which genes predispose to such fractures; thus enabling the development of new therapies and targeting of preventive therapies to those at highest risk. Because the risks we are identifying are genetic, we hope to employ safe and practical interventions in persons who are at risk years before osteoporosis develops.