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The genetics of multiple sclerosis

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-22, 23:39 authored by Lin, R, Jac CharlesworthJac Charlesworth, Ingrid van der MeiIngrid van der Mei, Bruce TaylorBruce Taylor
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Improved prevention and treatment will depend on a greater understanding of the causes and mechanisms involved in its onset and progression. MS is clearly driven by both environmental and genetic factors. Established contributory environmental factors include lower ultraviolet radiation exposure and lower vitamin D levels, Epstein-Barr virus and smoking. Our current understanding of MS genetics is undergoing a major upgrade as new genetic technologies are applied to large MS studies. In this article, we review the current literature describing a genetic contribution to MS susceptibility and review the methods to detect genetic variants that may underlie the genetic contribution to MS. We also consider how reporting of genetic discoveries in MS in the lay press has caused some confusion among patients and their families, who, not surprisingly, think that these discoveries can be translated into an available genetic test to diagnose MS or recognise family members at risk of developing MS. We review the current limited clinical use of genetics in the diagnosis and management of MS.

Funding

National Health & Medical Research Council

History

Publication title

Practical Neurology

Volume

12

Issue

5

Pagination

279-288

ISSN

1474-7758

Department/School

Menzies Institute for Medical Research

Publisher

B M J Group

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

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