{{Infobox_Disease | Name = Multiple sclerosis | Image = MRI_of_Multiple_sclerosis.jpg | Caption = [[MRI]] FLAIR sequence showing four bright spots (plaques) where multiple sclerosis has damaged myelin in the brain | DiseasesDB = 8412 | ICD10 = {{ICD10|G|35||g|35}} | ICD9 = {{ICD9|340}} | ICDO = | OMIM = 126200 | MedlinePlus = 000737 | eMedicineSubj = neuro | eMedicineTopic = 228 | eMedicine_mult = {{eMedicine2|oph|179}} {{eMedicine2|emerg|321}} {{eMedicine2|pmr|82}} {{eMedicine2|radio|461}}  continue reading »»»

Summary

The International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) has identified two new genetic variations associated with MS, completing the largest replicated whole genome scan (scan of all the genes in the body) for multiple sclerosis to date. In addition, two independent collaborating groups published papers in Nature Genetics confirming one of these gene variations. The findings point to potential mechanisms underlying the disease and present possible new targets for designing better therapies to stop the immune attack in MS. The IMSGC, a group of international MS genetic experts created with funding from the U.S. National MS Society, report their results in The New England Journal of Medicine (published early online July 29, 2007). The U.S. MS Society and Harvard united to jointly raise a total of $3.63 million to fund this genome scan study.

“By pinpointing genes that elevate the risk of developing MS and other autoimmune diseases,” stated Dr. John R. Richert, Executive Vice President, Research & Clinical Programs at the National MS Society, “these studies lead us in new directions for both treating and eventually preventing these diseases.” All of the data from the gene scan is being made publicly available to aid future research. continue reading »»»