Many Perspectives, One Goal: Understanding Osteoarthritis

During the recent Artrose Gezond evenings, held on 1 and 6 October, visitors had the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of the Core Facility and discover how technology is helping researchers unravel the complexities of osteoarthritis. Guided by our Head of the Genomics Core Facility, Prof Joyce van Meurs, participants explored our laboratories, where genomes and proteins are analysed every day to drive scientific discovery.

The evening continued with an inspiring plenary session by Dr Cindy Boer, researcher and Assistant Professor within Internal Medicine at Erasmus MC. She shared how genetics is helping us better understand osteoarthritis and pave the way towards improved prevention and treatment.

A Journey Through the Genomics Core Facility Labs
As we followed Joyce through the laboratories, curiosity quickly turned into fascination. From automated robotic platforms to high-throughput sequencing technologies, each stop offered a glimpse into the science taking place behind the scenes.

Standing beside rows of advanced instruments, Joyce explained how the field has evolved dramatically over the past decades. "We investigate DNA variation on a massive scale. Around 50% of osteoarthritis risk can be explained by genetic variation, which is why understanding the genome is so important. What once took years can now be achieved in seconds, and today we process hundreds of DNA samples every week."

Visitors learned how blood samples collected through research studies are transformed into valuable genetic data. Joyce guided the group through the journey from DNA to proteins, illustrating how tiny variations in our genetic code can influence health and disease.

One of the highlights was the discussion around population-based research cohorts, such as the Rotterdam Study. By analysing DNA data collected once, researchers can answer countless scientific questions over time and uncover new genetic insights linked to a wide range of conditions.

From Flow Cells to Nanopores
The tour continued into the sequencing laboratories, where participants encountered the technologies that enable large-scale genomic research. Joyce demonstrated how DNA is prepared and analysed using different sequencing platforms. She explained how variations in electrical current can be used to read DNA directly as it passes through microscopic pores, enabling rapid and highly detailed genetic analysis.

"These technologies allow us to sequence DNA faster and on a larger scale than ever before. During infectious disease outbreaks, portable sequencers can even be used on-site to generate data in real time. Remarkably, nanopore sequencing technology has even been used in space."

The practical relevance of these innovations sparked questions from visitors. One participant asked how sequencing technologies are applied in healthcare today. Joyce shared several examples, including their use in clinical genetics to support faster diagnoses and in surgical settings, where rapid genetic analysis can help classify tumours and guide treatment decisions.

Understanding Osteoarthritis Through Genetics
Later in the evening, attendees joined the plenary session led by Cindy Boer, whose research focuses on the genetics behind osteoarthritis and risk factors that contribute to its development and progression.

Beginning with the basics, Cindy explained how DNA serves as our body's biological blueprint. "DNA contains the instructions that determine how our bodies are built and function. Genes are small sections of DNA that provide the code for proteins, the building blocks and molecular machines that keep our bodies running."

While genetics plays an important role, Cindy emphasised that osteoarthritis is a complex condition influenced by many different factors. "Osteoarthritis is not determined by DNA alone. However, genetics can tell us a great deal about why some people develop the disease and others do not. By combining genetic data with information such as lifestyle and risk factors, we can gain a much more complete picture."

Drawing on large population studies and advanced genomic technologies, Cindy highlighted how researchers are identifying new genes and biological pathways involved in osteoarthritis. Many of these genes and proteins remain largely unexplored, presenting exciting opportunities for future research.

Many Perspectives, One Goal
Looking back on the evening, what stood out most was the diversity of perspectives on osteoarthritis. Visitors could join the Core Facility lab tour, learn how movement and joint mechanics are studied in the Biomechanics Lab, and speak with physiotherapists and researchers about the challenges and opportunities in osteoarthritis care. Together, these activities painted a compelling picture of how collaboration between different disciplines is helping to drive progress.

From genetic discoveries and innovative technologies to clinical expertise and biomechanical insights, every contribution adds another piece to the puzzle. And with each new discovery, we move closer to improving the lives of people living with osteoarthritis.

Want to learn more about Artrose Gezond?
Artrose Gezond is an initiative of Erasmus MC that connects people living with osteoarthritis with researchers, healthcare professionals and one another. By sharing knowledge, experiences and the latest research insights, the programme aims to contribute to better health and quality of life for people with osteoarthritis.

Visit the Artrose Gezond website to learn more and stay up to date: Artrose Gezond - Onderzoeksplatform voor mensen met Artrose