Gene plays a protective role in MS

A study by the Wellcome Trust Centre for Genetics, UK revealed that a particular version of a gene called HLA-DRB1*1501 was rare in people with severe Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and suggests it plays a protective role against the more severe progressive course that some can experience with MS. 

They have discovered that the specific combination of two different versions of the same gene, one coming from each parent, determine the outcome for patients.  It has long been known that MS is extremely variable, but the study is the first insight into why this is the case.

The study involved comparing genes from people with severe MS who used wheelchairs within five years of being diagnosed and people who had no disability 20 years after diagnosis. 

For further information click on http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/news.shtml

Elaine Warburton