Multiple sclerosis genes uncovered 

  • [Inline script in 'ct_top_tools_element_save_this_page' (7727) on page 'index/news/whatsinthepress/msgenesuncovered.htm'] Line 13: ation. Now, for the first time, they have published a guide to Accessible Britain. With summer just round the corner, the BBC gave Ouch's Emma Bowler a copy to browse through for some ideas for disability-friendly days out
    

SyntaxError: unterminated string literal
  • Print page 
  • Email to a friend

The discovery of two genes that increase the risk of multiple sclerosis has brought scientists closer to understanding the cause of the disease and could lead to the development of new treatments.

Two international teams of scientists have found that possessing defective variants of one of two genes increased the risk of MS by 20 to 30 per cent.

Dr Lee Dunster, head of research at the MS Society, said: "One of the great unknowns about MS is what causes it, and this looks like a welcome breakthrough in getting to grips with the genetics behind the disease.

"People with MS often worry whether it will affect their children, so a better understanding of the role of certain genes is good news."

MS can cause muscle weakness, vision loss and coordination problems, and is the most common disabling neurological disorder in young adults. It affects around 85,000 people in the UK.

You can read the full article published in the Telegraph on 30th July 2007.