Abigail Smith

• MSci Biomedical Sciences
• Functional analysis of the osteoarthritis susceptibility mapping to the gene NCOA3

Osteoarthritis is a complex disease caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors. By discovering which genes are involved and their effects, we may one day be able to design novel therapies and improve diagnosis. The NCOA3 gene has been shown to have a lower expression in osteoarthritic cartilage than healthy cartilage. A number of mutations are co-expressed with the gene and alter its expression levels. However, five of these can be modified in the body by a process termed methylation. The aim of my project was to ascertain whether methylation of the mutations, alters their effect on NCOA3 expression.

Funding Source: Newcastle University