In a research study, researchers have now found the first gene variant that is associated with how Multiple Sclerosis (MS) develops. The study is the result of a large research collaboration with MS researchers in 70 countries. From Norway, the MS research group in Oslo has contributed to finding the genetic variant. More than 22,000 people with MS have participated in the study. The study was published in the renowned journal Nature. Professor Hanne Flinstad Harbo has led the Norwegian MS research group that has contributed to the study. Photo: Henriette Hoel / news The discovery provides explanations Hanne Flinstad Harbo is a professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital. She has led the Norwegian MS research group. She tells news that the genetic variant that has now been found has something to say about how MS develops. – What we have concretely found is a gene variant that is associated with a more severe course of MS. Quite explicitly, the gene variant gives an average of 4 years less time before you need walking aids. People with this variant get worse more quickly from the disease, and are more often disabled over time. The gene variant that the researchers have identified is located between two genes, DYSF and ZNF638. None of these have previously been linked to the disease MS. The discovery of the gene variant is very important for the development of new medicines. Photo: Henriette Hoel / news The first gene is involved in the repair of damaged cells in the nervous system. The second helps to control and provide resistance to viral infections in the body. – Our findings indicate that the body’s resilience and ability to repair the nervous system determine the worsening of the disease, says Flinstad Harbo to news. The professor further explains that some people will have inherited this gene variant from both their parents, and thus have twice as much of it. – they get a much faster worsening of the disease than people who do not have this gene variant, says Flinstad Harbro to news. Important for the development of new medicine Today there is no good medical treatment that slows down or stops the development of progressive MS disease, but now researchers have found explanations that give hope. Flinstad Harbo tells news that it is disappointing not to be able to offer treatment that stops the disease. – now we can begin the identification of new attack targets for treatment. By understanding how the gene variant affects the severity of MS, we can hopefully be able to develop new drugs that can prevent this influence on the disease. Then we will be able to slow down the deterioration of the patients’ disease. It is a groundbreaking breakthrough, says Flinstad Harbo optimistically to news. Gives hope Helene Wangberg is deputy chairperson of the MS Association in Norway and lives with MS herself. This is incredibly important and good news for the 13,000 MS sufferers in Norway, says Wangberg to news. Helene Wangberg, deputy chairperson of the MS association. Photo: Henriette Hoel / news – This gives hope to so many. It gives hope for the future, it gives hope for those with progressive MS and relatives not least. MS affects so differently. For those with relapsing MS, there are lots of medicines, but unfortunately nothing for progressive MS, says Wangberg to news. Although it will take time before a new medicine is developed, the results of this study give hope, says the deputy chairman of the MS association. Important Norwegian contribution to the study The Norwegian MS research group has consisted of researchers at the University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital. Head of the research group, Professor Flinstad Harbo emphasizes that participation from Norwegian and Nordic patients has been absolutely crucial for the study. – We have had long-term data on patients from the Nordic countries and it has been absolutely crucial that the patients have stood up for us in this research work, says Flinstad Harbo gratefully.
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Groundbreaking breakthrough in MS research – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
