Gene Plays Protective Role In MS, UK

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Genetics
Article Date: 11 Dec 2007 - 5:00 PDT

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New research announced this week has found an association between certain genes and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS).

The results of the study by Prof George Ebers, chair of Clinical Neurology at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics , will be published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and represent a step forward in the understanding of the role of genetics in MS.

The study involved comparing genes from people with severe MS who used wheelchairs within five years of being diagnosed and people who had no disability 20 years after diagnosis.

It revealed that a particular version of a gene called HLA-DRB1*01 was rare in people with severe MS and suggests it plays a protective role against the more severe progressive course that some can experience with MS.

Dr Laura Bell, research communications officer for the MS Society, said: "This interesting new study shows that particular genetic factors work to modify the progression of MS and provides insight into the processes which occur in MS development, however it is worth noting that MS is not directly inherited and there is no single gene that causes or prevents it. Environmental factors also play an important role in people's susceptibility to developing MS."

Professor Ebers will be speaking about his research at the MS Society's MS Life convention in Manchester on 29 and 30 March, 2008. MS Life is aimed at everyone effected by MS and will include research talks from eminent scientist from across the world.

http://www.mssociety.org.uk