New candidate loci for multiple sclerosis susceptibility revealed by a whole genome association screen in a Belgian
An Goris1, Stephen Sawcer, Koen Vandenbroeck
1Rega Institute for Medical Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. an.goris@rega.kuleuven.ac.be
Abstract:
We have completed a whole genome screen for association with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a Belgian population. The 6000 microsatellite markers provided through the Genetic Association of Multiple Sclerosis in EuropeanS (GAMES) collaborative were genotyped in case-control and family-based samples. The 20 most promising markers included three markers (D6S1615, D6S2444 and TNFa) from the classically established HLA class II cluster and one (D6S265) from the recently re-emphasized HLA class I cluster. In other highlighted regions, preliminary candidate genes from the immune system have been identified: e.g. the integrin ligand EDIL3, the high-mobility group box protein TOX, neutral sphingomyelinase activating factor (NSMAF) and the B-cell specific transcription factor POU2AF1.
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