The genetic basis of Dupuytren's disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a multifactorial disorder. Twin studies and familial studies have demonstrated a strong genetic component for Dupuytren’s disease. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with reduced penetrance has been suggested; however, a gene involved in Dupuytren’s disease using a family-based gene mapping approach has not been identified so far. Therefore we have embarked on a genome-wide association study to identify susceptibility genes for Dupuytren’s disease. Here we give a brief introduction into molecular studies of multifactorial disorders and describe basic approaches used in these studies. Based on recent findings concerning the genetics of Dupuytren’s disease, we explain the rationale for our approach and the conclusions that could be expected from the work. Additionally, this chapter may serve as a brief introduction into the genetic studies in Dupuytren’s disease.