British scientists are conducting the first study on the human genome to determine the genetic causes of osteoarthritis. The two year study will help researchers find and develop drugs to block the genetic mutations that lead to the disease. 30 scientists at eight centers in the UK are currently seeking out 14,000 volunteers for the study, 6,000 healthy people and 8,000 who are awaiting, or have had, joint replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis.

There are half a million distinct regions in human DNA and it is expected that there are at least 100 genes that have a link to increased risk of OA. In fact, osteoarthritis is nearly three times more inheritable than breast cancer.

It is hoped that an outcome of the study, known as arcOGEN, is that within a few years an inexpensive test will be developed to identify people that are most likely to develop OA. Results of the study will be freely shared with other scientists around the world. The project has received is £2.2 million ($4.5 million) from the arthritis Research Campaign (ARC).