Functional genomics, evo-devo and systems biology: a chance to overcome complexity?

Purpose of review This review addresses the key question of how to integrate a high complexity of processes and data to a unifying picture of disease processes and progression for osteoarthritis. Recent findings Many research efforts in the last few years have resulted in the accumulation of a huge amount ofa huge amount of data. To date, however, these data have not led to the pathogenesis and progressionof the osteoarthritic disease process. Methods to integrate a lot of information are needed, therefore, in order to progress from experimental findings to practical knolwledge. Several such strategies have been followed up in the past: in-vitro models, large-scale gene expression analysis/functional genomics, and an attempt to interpret gene expression patterns on the basis of developmental differentiation. A novel approach is system promises to overcome issues of complex appropriate models and quantitative simulation. Summary Efforts are required to integrate a continuously growing high complexity of experimental data into an understanding of the joint system and its derangement in osteoarthntis. Modelling of the 'whole' picture appears to be needed so that we do not get lost in the plethora of details.