29 New Multiple Sclerosis Genes Identified

Posted August 10, 2011

The largest genetic study of Multiple Sclerosis has revealed 29 new genetic variants associated with MS, and confirmed 23 others previously associated with the disease, verifying a major role for the immune system in the development of MS.

It is the largest-ever study into the disease, involving 250 researchers in the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium and the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium. Scientists studied DNA from 9,772 people with MS and compared it with those of 17,376 unrelated healthy people.

It is important for researchers to identify genes that have the potential to trigger MS, so that risk factors can be avoided.

Click here to read more about the results of this exciting study.