title: Multiple sclerosis etiology: beyond genes and environment.
abstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disorder of the CNS with inflammatory and neurodegenerative components. The etiology is unknown, but there is evidence for a role of both genetic and environmental factors. Among the heritable factors, MHC class II genes are strongly involved, as well as genes coding for others molecules of immunological relevance, genes controlling neurobiological pathways and genes of unknown function. Among nonheritable factors, many infectious agents (mainly viruses) and environmental factors (e.g., smoke, sun exposition and diet) seem to be of etiologic importance. Here, we report and discuss recent findings in MS on largely unexplored fields: the alternative splicing of mRNAs and regulatory noncoding RNAs, the major sources of transcriptome diversity; and epigenetic changes with special attention paid to DNA methylation and histone acetylation, the main regulators of gene expression.
authors.affiliation: Neurology and Center for Experimental Neurological Therapies, S. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mechelli
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Annibali
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ristori
authors.forename: Danila
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vittori
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Coarelli
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salvetti
mesh_terms: D000107:Acetylation; D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D056426:Genetic Loci; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D022661:RNA, Untranslated