Genetic factor of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men. Each person with MS may have a different set of symptoms. In MS, the body’s own immune system damages the covering around the nerves, called the myelin sheath. This damage slows down messages between the brain and body. The disease also causes scars, called “plaques” or lesions, in the brain and spinal cord. This damage can cause a wide variety of symptoms. The first gene linked to MS was found in the 1970s. A few more have been found since then. But scientists think there are likely many more genes involved in the disease. In this project, researchers are using BioVU samples to confirm the genes that have been previously linked to MS. They also hope to find more genes associated with the disease and its wide range of symptoms.