Variants of ST8SIA1 Are Associated with Risk of Developing Multiple Sclerosis
2008

Genetic Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis

Sample size: 274 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Husain Seema, Yildirim-Toruner Cagri, Rubio Justin P., Field Judith, The Southern MS Genetics Consortium, Schwalb Marvin, Cook Stuart, Devoto Marcella, Vitale Emilia

Primary Institution: Institute of Genomic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

Hypothesis

Are variants of the ST8SIA1 gene associated with the risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis?

Conclusion

The study found that variants in the ST8SIA1 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing Multiple Sclerosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • Variants in the ST8SIA1 gene were found to be associated with MS in a three-generation family study.
  • Transmission disequilibrium tests showed significant paternal transmission of specific SNPs associated with MS.
  • The odds ratio for the risk of MS based on the T allele of rs704219 was 2.02.

Takeaway

Scientists found that certain genes can make people more likely to get Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that affects the brain and nerves.

Methodology

The study involved genetic analysis of SNPs in family trios to assess the association with Multiple Sclerosis.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to population stratification was minimized by using family trios.

Limitations

The study may not account for all genetic and environmental factors influencing MS risk.

Participant Demographics

Participants were of North European Caucasian ancestry.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.001 for rs704219, 0.01 for rs2041906 and rs1558793

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.28–3.18

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002653

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