Scientists near test for arthritis

The investigation is the largest ever undertaken to identify the genetic causes of a common disease.

Scientists from across the UK will take DNA samples from 8,000 sufferers of severe osteoarthritis (OA) and compare them with those from 6,000 healthy "controls".

They will be sweeping the whole human genome, the "blueprint" of human DNA, looking for genetic mutations that occur more frequently in people with the disease.

Within a relatively short time, it is hoped a "suite" of genes will be identified that can be used as the basis for a test.

Understanding genetic links to the disease could also yield badly needed new treatments.

The test could cost under £10, and would indicate if someone is likely to be one of the 33% of OA patients who develops severe, progressive disease.

People with a positive result at around the age of 50 will know they need to take steps to prevent years of pain, disablement, and major surgery in the decades to come.

Intensive early treatment and healthier living through exercise or losing weight may help them hold the disease back. They would also be better placed to make difficult lifestyle choices about jobs or sporting ambitions.

Professor Tim Spector, genetic epidemiologist from St Thomas's Hospital, London, a member of the research consortium, said: "We're really on the edge of a brave new era in osteoarthritis. These genes can tell us who is going to do badly, and also tell us about new pathways."