The genetics of multiple sclerosis.
Epidemiological studies implicate an interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of multiple sclerosis. The classical genetic observations suggest that multiple sclerosis is a complex trait in which susceptibility is determined by several genes acting independently or epistatically. The main dividend from understanding the genetic basis of susceptibility in multiple sclerosis will be an improved understanding of the pathogenesis. To date, candidate gene approaches have proved relatively unrewarding other than in establishing the association with alleles of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In common with most other complex traits, no major susceptibility gene has been identified through full genome screens but regions of interest have provisionally been identified. An important part of future studies in the genetics of multiple sclerosis will be to resolve the question of disease heterogeneity.
Compston
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University of Cambridge Neurology Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors