- Multiple sclerosis (MS) has no cure and affects almost 3 million people worldwide.
- Although experts do not know the precise cause of MS, it has a genetic component.
- A new study uses ancient DNA to track MS risk genes across thousands of years.
- The researchers uncover fascinating links between ancient shifts in lifestyle and MS-related genes.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition driven by the immune system. Specifically, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the lining of nerves, called the myelin sheath.
Over time, as more and more myelin is removed, nerves can no longer transmit their signals, leading to mental and physical symptoms.
These symptoms include vision problems, a loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. As the disease progresses, disability becomes steadily more pronounced.
Worryingly, although MS is most common in Northern Europe, its prevalence is increasing globally. Today, it affects an estimated
Scientists still do not know why people develop MS, and currently, there is no cure.
However, a fascinating recent study sheds some light on the evolution of the genetic underpinnings of the condition and may, in the future, help move toward better treatments.
Although scientists are still working on understanding the precise reasons why MS affects some people, genetic risk factors play a role.
Researchers have already identified more than 200 gene regions linked to MS risk, most of which are associated with genes the code for proteins associated with the immune system. As MS is an autoimmune condition, this is perhaps not surprising.
The picture is complex, though. Not everyone with a gene variant associated with MS develops the condition. For instance, the gene variant with the strongest link to MS — called HLA-DRB1*15:01 — increases the risk threefold, but so far our understanding of genetic risk factors only explains around 30% of an individual’s risk of MS.
So, it seems that environmental…
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