Study shows new genetic risk factors for MS
pharmafile | August 15, 2011 | News story | Research and Development | genes, multiple sclerosis, research and development news
New genetic links to the immune system have been identified as a possible trigger for multiple sclerosis.
The exact causes of multiple sclerosis have been under intense scientific scrutiny for years, but this new piece of research has found 57 new genetic factors that researchers believe are primary triggers for the disease.
The study, published in Nature, was the largest looking at MS genetics ever undertaken, with 250 researchers from around the world studying the genes of more than 9,800 people with MS, and 17,400 people without the disease.
The researchers identified 57 genes linked with MS, the majority of which are connected to the immune system, giving credence to the theory that MS could be an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system.
These genes included those that influence specific cells of the immune system such as T-cells and the role of ‘interleukins’ – chemicals that help immune cells to communicate.
Professor Alistair Compston of the University of Cambridge told the BBC: “This is suddenly a big new number of genes to try to understand.
“Eighty per cent of the genes that are implicated by the 57 hits are immunological. This shouts out that this is an immunological disease at the beginning. This is a very important confirmation.”
The MS Society said this could help with future treatments. Its chief executive Simon Gillespie 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.”
The MS Society added that the exact cause of MS still remains unknown, and other factors, such as viral infections and an inability to produce vitamin D correctly, can also play their part in triggering the disease.
Ben Adams
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