Investigating the role of PAPP-A2 gene in Hip Dysplasia using Anatomical Shape Analysis

Abstract. Hip dysplasia is a deformation or misalignment of the hip joints. Studies have confirmed the genetic influence on this disorder. Ac-cording to the previous studies, PAPP-A2 (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A2) seems to be the responsible gene. We are interested to study whether/how this gene is expressed in mice, with possible implications for the same research in humans. In this project, a data set of pelvis and femur CT scans of both normal mice and PAPP-A2 knock-outs was analyzed. We provide quantitative measures of shape and size of the femur heads and hip sockets to find distinguishing features which can discriminate between wild type vs. knocked out subjects