Shared Genetic Risk Factors for Multiple Sclerosis Identified Across Diverse Ancestries

A new study led by Queen Mary University of London, published in Neurology, has identified shared genetic risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS) across individuals of South Asian, African, and European ancestries.

This research represents one of the most ancestrally diverse genetic analyses of MS conducted in the UK, addressing a significant gap where most previous genetic research focused predominantly on people of White European ancestry.

Key Findings

• The study analyzed genetic data from over 3,000 individuals with MS and more than 27,000 without MS, including participants from the ADAMS Project and the UK Biobank.
• Genetic variants within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, a known driver of MS risk, were strongly associated with MS in all three ancestry groups: South Asian, African, and European.

• Researchers identified a genetic variant that may reduce MS risk, which is relatively common in South Asian populations but rare in European populations. This discovery highlights how ancestry-specific genetic variants can be missed in less diverse studies.

• The study also found that most genetic variants previously identified in European populations are present in people of South Asian and African ancestry. This suggests that MS is driven by shared underlying immune and biological mechanisms across diverse populations, rather than being a fundamentally different disease.

Implications for MS Research and Care

This research underscores the critical importance of diversity in genetic studies. Historically, the lack of representation from South Asian and Black populations in MS genetic research has contributed to potential under-recognition, delayed diagnosis, or less accurate assessment of MS in these groups.

Furthermore, genetic risk tools and treatments developed primarily from European-focused data may not perform equally well for everyone.

Study lead author Professor Ruth Dobson of Queen Mary University of London noted that while many biological pathways driving MS are shared, excluding large parts of the global population from research limits understanding of the disease.

Dr. Benjamin Jacobs, a co-author, emphasized that broadening participation helps uncover hidden risk factors and build prediction tools that are effective for all.

Caitlin Astbury of the MS Society highlighted that inclusive research, like the ADAMS study, is crucial for ensuring progress in MS treatments, diagnosis, and risk prediction benefits everyone, given that MS affects diverse communities globally.