MS genes found

Thursday August 11th, 2011

A major global study, led by two British universities, has made massive strides in cracking the genetic secrets of multiple sclerosis, it was claimed last night.

Some 29 new genetic variants have been discovered, many of them helping to explain the relationship of the disease to the immune system.

Some 250 researchers took part in the study, led by the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford.

The findings come from an analysis of DNA from more than 9,000 people with multiple sclerosis and another 17,000 healthy people.

The researchers say about a third of the genes are involved in other diseases, such as Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes, which, like multiple sclerosis, are caused by malfunctioning immune systems.

The researchers say the findings seem to settle the question of how much the immune system is responsible for causing the disease.

Two of the genes are thought to be related to vitamin D - which helps reduce the risk of getting the disease.

Researcher Professor Alastair Compston said: "Our research settles a longstanding debate on what happens first in the complex sequence of events that leads to disability in multiple sclerosis. It is now clear that multiple sclerosis is primarily an immunological disease.

"This has important implications for future treatment strategies."

Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the UK MS Society said he was "delighted" his organisation had raised funds for the research.

He said: "By identifying which genes may trigger the development of MS, we can identify potential ‘risk factors’ and look at new ways of treating, or even preventing, the condition in the future."

Nature August 11 2011

Tags: Brain & Neurology | Genetics | UK News

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