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Semin Neurol 1998; 18(3): 295-299
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1040880
© 1998 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Genetics of Multiple Sclerosis

George C. Ebers1 , D. A. Dyment2
  • 1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
  • 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common demyelinating disease of the central nervous system affecting primarily young adults. Evidence from genetic epidemiological studies demonstrate that the observed familial clustering of MS is primarily due to shared genes between family members. Molecular investigations have failed to elucidate susceptibilty loci with the exception of the HLA DRB1*1501, DQA1*0102, DQB1*0602 haplotype of the major histocompatibility complex. Results from genomic screens stress the complexity of MS genetics and that there is no one single locus contributing signficantly to familial risk. To overcome the confounding effects of genetic complexity, MS genetic research needs to take advantage of clinical and epidemiological information to better homogenize study samples. In addition, the continued collection and genotyping of MS families may shed some light on the mild to moderate susceptibility loci affecting the MS patient population.

Keywords

Multiple sclerosis - genetics - complexity