Abstract

Background: The association between multiple sclerosis (MS) and the HLA-DRB1*15:01 haplotype has been proven to be strong, but its molecular basis remains unclear. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene variants and sex have been proposed to modulate this association.

Objectives: 1) Test the association of MS with *15:01 and VDR variants; 2) check whether VDR variants and/or sex modulate the risk conferred by *15:01; 3) study whether *15:01, VDR variants and/or sex affect HLA ...

Around 30 genetic risk factors for developing multiple sclerosis have been discovered by a UK-led team.

It brings to more than 50 the total number of genetic clues to the disease.

The research, published in Nature, will help identify risk factors and perhaps future treatments or even a cure, said the MS Society.

Most of the genes are linked to immunity, backing the idea that the disease is triggered when the immune system turns ...

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An intersting comment by my UBC MS clinic geneticist " 80% of those with MS have no relatives with MS, 20% have another relative with MS, and it's very rare to have as many relatives as you do with MS!"
I have 2 first cousins, one 1st cousin once removed, four aunts, and two uncles who all have MS. All on my Mom's side. (the aunts & uncles are my Mom's 1/2 sisters and brothers) ...

Hi,
I just watched a really interesting programme about identical twins with the same genetics/DNA etc. The programme was about epigenetics and how the enviroment can switch genes on and off which can lead to one identical twin suffering from a disease i.e lukemia or Type 1 diabetes and the other twin not suffering from it. Because they share the same genes there is an enviromental factor (either from the womb-life experiences) that changes the ...

Researchers Identify Two Genes as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Multiple
Sclerosis



ROCHESTER, Minn., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Mayo Clinic study has
found that two genes in mice were associated with good central nervous system
repair in multiple sclerosis (MS). These findings give researchers new hope
for developing more effective therapies for patients with MS and for
predicting MS patients' outcomes. This study will be presented at the Congress
of the European Committee for Treatment ...

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27/08/2009

Diseases past down the generations could be wiped out with a breakthrough IVF gene swap.

Scientists created healthy infant monkeys by switching defective genes in the mitochondria - cell "power plants" - in the mothers' eggs.

If the treatment is approved for humans it could put an end to illnesses caused by such genes. These include crippling nerve illnesses similar to multiple sclerosis.

Mitochondrial DNA is also believed to play a role ...