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Understanding Osteoporosis through research at ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Although Osteoporosis is commonly known as an ‘old woman’s disease’, it can actually affect anyone, even young individuals with a family history of the condition.

Fractures from Osteoporosis can decrease mobility, weaken the bones, increase the risk of fractures, lead to a hunched posture and cause a lot of pain along the way.

At ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ, we’re trying to understand why genetic factors increase the risk of Osteoporosis. By using the Malta Osteoporotic Fracture Study, a team of researchers at the University, led by the Head of the Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Prof. Melissa Marie Formosa Friggieri, are trying to determine which defective gene variants could be contributing to the disease, thanks to whole genome sequencing.

The team also aims to understand how genetic factors may contribute to osteoporosis, using zebrafish as a model for their research. Despite their small size, zebrafish share around 70% of their genes with humans, making them valuable for studying human diseases.

By modifying specific genes in zebrafish to mimic genetic changes found in humans, the team can investigate how defective genes may contribute to the development of osteoporosis.

🎥 Watch the reel to discover how the team is advancing our understanding of osteoporosis!

Project OSTEOBOOST (Xjenza Malta-TÜBİTAK-2025-09) is financed by Xjenza Malta and the Scientific Technology Research Council (TÜBİTAK), through the Xjenza Malta-TÜBİTAK 2025 Joint Call for R&I projects.