Understanding the genetics of osteoporosis will be the focus of the next CLSA webinar on Oct. 19.

Dr. Brent Richards, an endocrinologist and genetic epidemiologist at the Jewish General Hospital of McGill University, will describe recent advances in whole-genome sequencing programs, and genome-wide genotyping approaches that can lead to greater knowledge about how genetics can better understand the etiology of a disease.

The webinar will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (ET) and is open to everyone. To register to receive the link to the broadcast, click here.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which leads to increased bone fragility and higher risk of fractures. Many aging-related diseases are at least partially heritable, and with osteoporosis, about 80% of variation in bone mineral density is based in genetics. About 50% of fracture risk is also related to genetics.

Dr. Richards will describe how new approaches to genome sequencing, and particularly how the emerging genome-wide genotyping within the CLSA, can be used to address clinically relevant questions such as identifying the genetic determinants of common aging-related diseases.

Dr. Richards has had the opportunity to lead or participate in several recent world-wide efforts to understand the genetic determinants of osteoporosis. He has published 94 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Nature, The Lancet and Nature Genetics. 

His work is supported by agencies such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.