Large genetic variance in skull, limb bone

LONDON, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Understanding the differences between skull and limb bones could lead to new ways to treat or prevent osteoporosis, British scientists said.

Scientists at Queen Mary, University of London, examined the two types of bone cell to learn more about why skull bone remains tougher than limb bone during aging.

The results suggested the differences are set early in life, probably when bone is still forming in the womb, university biologist Simon Rawlinson said in a release Monday.

In a study of active genes in the two types of cells, 1,236 genes -- about 4 percent of the genome -- showed different levels of activity, a startling difference between skull and limb bone, Rawlinson said.

The results could lead to a greater understanding of why limb bones weaken when not maintained by weight bearing exercise, while skull bone remains remarkably resistant and bears almost no weight, he said.