ASSOCIATION OF 2 LOCI ON CHROMOSOME-2Q WITH NODAL OSTEOARTHRITIS

Objective-To search for genetic association between microsatellite mar ker loci and sibling pairs with nodal osteoarthritis (NOA). Methods-Us ing the affected sibling pair method of analysis, genomic DNA from 66 sib pairs with NOA was analysed for association with highly polymorphi c microsatellite marker loci. The microsatellite markers were amplifie d using polymerase chain reaction and typed on polyacrylamide gels. Re sults-A significant association (p < 0.05) was identified between NOA and two loci on the short arm of chromosome 2 (2q 23-35). Candidate ge nes for osteoarthritis in this region include: fibronectin, a glycopro tein present in the extracellular matrix of normal cartilage; the alph a 2 chain of collagen type V, a major constituent of bone; and the int erleukin-8 receptor, important in the regulation of neutrophil activat ion and chemotaxis. Conclusions-The chromosomal region 2q 23-35 requir es further detailed study in NOA. Confirmation of these findings in la rge independent data sets and further analysis of candidate genes in t his region will be important in unravelling the molecular basis for th is common disease.