The huge advances in biotechnology have vastly increased our understanding of bone biology, despite the fact that bone is one of the most difficult human tissues to study due to its mineral properties and extremely low metabolic rate. Genome-wide association studies have identified genes associated with bone mineral density and fracture, although none for clinical use. Novel bone turnover markers provide information on alterations in bone metabolism and can be used for short-term fracture risk assessment.

Fracture risk is complex and determined by bone strength and propensity to fall, both of which are regulated by genetic and environmental risk factors and influenced by chronic co-morbidities. Osteoporosis is defined and captured by bone mineral density; whereas bone strength is as of yet unquantifiable in humans. Peak bone mass and the later rate of bone loss are critical to the risk of fragility fracture at advanced age.

Our studies focus on risk and protective factors in young adult and old women, delineating their importance for fracture, osteoporosis and aging. This includes factor to maximise bone mass, such as physical activity, stop smoking but also genetic contribution and factors of important with advancing age; kidney function, low grade inflammation; frailty and neuromuscular function. We use clinical and genetic biomarkers, and to understand underlying mechanisms we perform experimental studies using novel molecular tools along with advanced imaging techniques.