A recent study conducted by the researchers part of the institute of clinical neuroimmunology at LMU Klinikum determined that genetic influences are not enough to trigger MS in patients.
Throughout the years, our understanding of MS has increased vastly. One particular aspect that we have learned is that genetic risk variants are a condition that is necessary for a person to develop MS. However, a recent study with twins proves that it is not enough.
In the study, immunologists observed 61 pairs of identical twins. One of the twins had MS, while the other twin was healthy and did not have MS. Genetically, these twins are identical, as they were monozygotic twins, meaning the zygote had split into two zygotes early in development, creating two embryos, but the twins themselves are identical.
Through this study, researchers learned that the healthy twin had the maximum genetic risk for MS, yet the twin had no sign of MS. By comparing the twins with and without MS, researchers have ruled out that genetics can be the sole cause of MS in a person, and that something else must be necessary for a person to develop MS.
This study furthers our understanding of how MS develops. While we still have a long way to go, it's a step closer.
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