New candidate loci for multiple sclerosis susceptibility revealed by a whole genome association screen in a Belgian population.
We have completed a whole genome screen for association with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a Belgian population. The 6000 microsatellite markers provided through the Genetic Association of Multiple Sclerosis in EuropeanS (GAMES) collaborative were genotyped in case-control and family-based samples. The 20 most promising markers included three markers (D6S1615, D6S2444 and TNFa) from the classically established HLA class II cluster and one (D6S265) from the recently re-emphasized HLA class I cluster. In other highlighted regions, preliminary candidate genes from the immune system have been identified: e.g. the integrin ligand EDIL3, the high-mobility group box protein TOX, neutral sphingomyelinase activating factor (NSMAF) and the B-cell specific transcription factor POU2AF1.
Goris
An
A
Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. an.goris@rega.kuleuven.ac.be
Sawcer
Stephen
S
Vandenbroeck
Koen
K
Carton
Herwig
H
Billiau
Alfons
A
Setakis
Efrosini
E
Compston
Alastair
A
Dubois
Bénédicte
B
D001530:Belgium / Q000453:epidemiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005828:Genetics, Population; D015894:Genome, Human; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D008297:Male; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*
D005819:Genetic Markers