HEALTH : Osteoarthritis Gene Isolated

The National Institutes of Health announced today that scientists have isolated the gene responsible for osteoarthritis, a painful, crippling disease that affects about 16 million Americans.

Dr. Darwin J. Prockop of Philadelphia’s Thomas Jefferson University and Dr. Roland W. Moskowitz of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland led the scientists who isolated a flawed gene that normally helps make collagen, a protein that strengthens joints.

The scientists studied genetic material from 19 members of a three-generation family and found that the faulty gene was affecting the family members as young as 16.

Osteoarthritis leads to a wearing away of joints and severe crippling. It can affect the hands, feet, hips and knees.

Identifying the gene, officials said, may lead to new treatments and even prevention.