We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility in German cohorts with 4888 cases and 10,395 controls. In addition to associations within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, 15 non-MHC loci reached genome-wide significance. Four of these loci are novel MS susceptibility loci. They map to the genes L3MBTL3, MAZ, ERG, and SHMT1. The lead variant at SHMT1 was replicated in an independent Sardinian cohort. Products of the genes L3MBTL3, MAZ, and ERG play important roles in immune cell regulation. SHMT1 encodes a serine hydroxymethyltransferase catalyzing the transfer of a carbon unit to the folate cycle. This reaction is required for regulation of methylation homeostasis, which is important for establishment and maintenance of epigenetic signatures. Our GWAS approach in a defined population with limited genetic substructure detected associations not found in larger, more heterogeneous cohorts, thus providing new clues regarding MS pathogenesis.
Genome wide studies hunting for genes have found about 110–150 genes associated with susceptibility to MS. These are mainly associated with the effect on the immune system. This study looking at a german population find a few more.
When I read the study I was thinking about whether these genes for example would be more significant than himself HLA DRB 1501 by just regular in this relationship with the environment and the reaction of the immune system to external stimuli.
If this is confirm would be more plausible the understanding that, perhaps, the MS is a disease with multiple "causes", all of them converging to deregulation of I.S.
Thoughts on this one please………..http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27253448
Regards as always.