Recent technological and scientific advances have provided the tools needed to rapidly scan the genome for genetic variants affecting osteoporosis. In the last 2 yr, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several associations contributing to risk of fracture and related traits. These discoveries promise to illuminate important new pathways in bone metabolism, contribute to the development of novel therapeutics, and possibly harbor prognostic value. The initial GWAS results, however, suggest that alternative strategies may be necessary to comprehensively identify and characterize genetic risk factors. In this perspective, we review the status of GWASs for osteoporosis and discuss systems level approaches that have the potential to provide a much deeper understanding of bone biology.

GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDIES OF OSTEOPOROSIS