title: Multiple susceptibility loci for multiple sclerosis.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common and frequently disabling autoimmune disorder mediated by autoaggressive T cells and autoantibodies that target central nervous system myelin. While numerous studies have demonstrated a strong genetic component to MS, it has been difficult to identify the specific genes involved. Several genomic screens have been undertaken to locate such genes, but have not provided consistent gene localization, except for the MHC on chromosome 6p21 and a locus on chromosome 19q13. To determine which of the original genomic locations presented in the US genome screen could be replicated, a more detailed analysis of additional families was performed. The results, derived from a population of 266 affected individuals belonging to 98 multiplex families, continue to support linkage to chromosomes 6p21, 6q27, and 19q13 with LOD scores>3.0, and suggest that regions on chromosomes 12q23-24 and 16p13 may also harbor susceptibility loci for MS. Analysis taking into account the known HLA-DR2 association identified two additional potential linkage regions on chromosomes 7q21-22 and 13q33-34. These regions can now be targeted for detailed study to identify the underlying MS susceptibility genes.
authors.affiliation: Program in Human Genetics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. jonathan@phg.mc.vanderbilt.edu
authors.forename: Jonathan L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bradford
authors.forename: Melissa E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.forename: Allison D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Neumeister
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pericak-Vance
authors.forename: Jacqueline B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Rimmler
authors.forename: Marissa M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Menold
authors.forename: Eden R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Jorge R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Oksenberg
authors.forename: Lisa F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Barcellos
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lincoln
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Hauser
mesh_terms: D002882:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 13; D002896:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6; D002897:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7; D018740:Genetic Heterogeneity; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015802:HLA-DR2 Antigen / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008126:Lod Score; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D015802:HLA-DR2 Antigen