Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis project: A platform to investigate multiple sclerosis risk

Ann Neurol. 2016 Feb;79(2):178-89. doi: 10.1002/ana.24560. Epub 2015 Dec 9.

Abstract

The Genes and Environment in Multiple Sclerosis project establishes a platform to investigate the events leading to multiple sclerosis (MS) in at-risk individuals. It has recruited 2,632 first-degree relatives from across the USA. Using an integrated genetic and environmental risk score, we identified subjects with twice the MS risk when compared to the average family member, and we report an initial incidence rate in these subjects that is 30 times greater than that of sporadic MS. We discuss the feasibility of large-scale studies of asymptomatic at-risk subjects that leverage modern tools of subject recruitment to execute collaborative projects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Environment*
  • Family
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / epidemiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / etiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology