Browsing by Subject "WNT16"

Numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS), GWAS meta-analyses and mouse studies have demonstrated that Wingless-related integration site 16 (WNT16) is associated with BMD, cortical bone thickness and strength as well as fracture risk. Practically no data exists regarding the significance of WNT16 in childhood-onset osteoporosis and fractures. Mutations and genetic variation in WNT16 were hypothesized to explain the clinical characteristics of some of the patients in question. Therefore, in this study the WNT16 gene was screened by Sanger sequencing in 46 pediatric patients with early-onset osteoporosis and in 60 pediatric patients with multiple fractures. We found altogether 12 variants in WNT16, of which one was a novel change. Inspite of the large amount of genetic variation found in WNT16, no actual mutations were found. None of the changes were statistically significant. It is likely that WNT16 mutations do not play an important role in the development of childhood osteoporosis.