Study finds multiple sclerosis genes

THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Previous research has shown an increased risk of multiple sclerosis from Vitamin D deficiency. Image: io_nia/iStockphoto In one of the largest human genetic studies ever undertaken, scientists have identified the major common genetic variants that contribute to the cause of the devastating neurologic disease, multiple sclerosis (MS). The results of the study are published today in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature. They represent years of work by the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) involving more than 250 researchers, in 15 countries, including from the University of Melbourne and Florey Neuroscience Institutes. Australian scientists have played a significant role and more than 1000 Australians with MS contributed DNA samples. The study confirmed the presence of up to 57 MS genes with a remarkable pattern that shows that the reason some people get MS and others don’t is largely due to subtle, inherited differences in immune function. It points to a pivotal role for T cells – the ‘orchestra leaders’ of the immune system and makes it clear that MS is primarily an immunologic disease. Professor Trevor Kilpatrick, Director of the Melbourne Neuroscience Institute at the University of Melbourne, with his research team and colleagues at the Florey Neuroscience Institutes, were able to provide a strong cohort of patients to the internationally-led research. “Our assembled cohort of thousands of patients is a huge resource for international research efforts such as this. Our Victorian team and colleagues also have the expertise to assist in investigating the significance of this discovery. “The next step is rigorous assessment of hundreds of patients to see how these newly identified genes function and contribute to the development of MS. This study has already commenced.” he said. The Australian and New Zealand contribution was led by Prof Graeme Stewart, a Clinical Immunologist in the Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney. It involved a consortium of 18 researchers from 5 states and New Zealand (in a group called ANZgene). “Discovering so many new leads is an enormous step towards understanding the cause of MS,” Professor Stewart said. “Most importantly, for people with MS, these genes also strengthen the case for immunologic treatments currently in clinical trials and point to new therapeutic approaches.” Previous Australian research has suggested a link between Vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis and the ANZgene consortium identified a vitamin D gene on chromosome 12. The international study has now identified a second vitamin D gene and provides insight into a link between genetic and environmental risk factors. Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia (MSRA), together with the Australian government, has funded MS genetic research over the past ten years. MSRA’s Executive Director Jeremy Wright welcomed the breakthrough announcement. “This is a terrific milestone which brings welcome new hope to people with MS and great credit to the researchers. The ANZgene groups played a significant role in this international effort and have put Australia in the front line of potential new findings in both the diagnosis and treatment of MS,” Mr Wright said.