Summary of the OA biomarkers workshop 2010 - genetics and genomics: new targets in OA

On November fourth and fifth 2010 a group of more than 100 international investigators gathered in Atlanta for the second Osteoarthritis (OA) Biomarkers Global Initiative workshop titled "Genetics and Genomics: New Targets in OA". The first workshop took place in April 2009 and focused on in vitro (soluble) biomarkers whilst the third and final workshop will take place in 2012 and will focus on imaging biomarkers. The OA Research Society International (OARSI) has organized the workshops. In addition to OARSI, the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, the Arthritis Foundation, Amgen, Genzyme, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and Pfizer sponsored the second meeting. It was clear from this meeting that experiments in the genetics, epigenetics and genomics of OA, are yielding valuable insights into the etiology of this heterogeneous disease but that much still needs to be learnt. Combining genetic insights with conventional biomarkers and imaging modalities may provide scientists with the enhanced tools to understand this complex disease. With those tools in hand, clinicians and industry can develop protocols to ultimately improve patient care.