Research News: Genetics Study to Launch — Research Moving Forward During Challenging Times
We are facing challenging economic times in this country and around the globe, but we are also in an era of unprecedented progress in MS research. The Society continues to receive increasing numbers of meritorious scientific projects, each holding particular promise for finding important new clues into the mysteries of MS, and potential new therapies and a cure. One particularly groundbreaking project, a large genetics study entitled A Comprehensive Genome-Wide Exploration of Susceptibility Genes in MS, has received significant support to help it get underway.
The genetics study is the next big step in determining the role of genetics in MS. It is the third in a series of large, complex MS genetics studies. The study’s size is remarkable — it involves obtaining tissue samples from 10,000 people to validate findings from an earlier cohort of the same size — and so is its approach to collaboration. “Rather than competitive silos of research, scientists from across the globe are working closely together to scan the entire human genome and comprehensively describe and identify every gene that contributes to MS susceptibility,” John Richert, MD, the Society’s Executive Vice President for Research and Clinical Programs, said. The study is expected to provide:
- Important insights into gene variations affecting susceptibility and triggers,
- New pathways to a cure through targeted drug design, and
- The potential for more immediate clinical trials of existing medications that target identified genes.
The study will also correlate genetic and clinical data collected from study participants.
National Board member Richard Slifka has contributed $1 million toward the genetics project, which will be led by Harvard’s Adrian Ivinson, PhD, and the International MS Genetics Consortium, which includes world-renowned neurologists Stephen Hauser, David Hafler and Alastair Compston, as well as more than a dozen collaborators in the U.S., Europe and Australia.
Slifka’s leadership gift, along with others, provide enough support for the genetics investigation to commence; however, the $2 million study still requires an additional $900,000 to ensure its timely completion.
The scope of the genetics study is incredibly exciting, and holds hope for gaining a better understanding of MS and developing new treatments, but it is just one of the research avenues the Society is pursuing. More than 40 other exemplary MS research projects have cleared a rigorous independent scientific review process and have been deemed highly promising. These studies cover a broad spectrum of investigative avenues to look at different pieces of the MS puzzle, and will take place at academic institutions around the country and abroad. The current economic challenges have meant that the Society has been able to say “yes” less often to guaranteed funding for these highly promising projects. Any one of these investigations could hold the knowledge needed to identify the cause of MS, prevent its onset, reverse its damage, or even provide a cure.
“Donor support toward any of these projects would allow the investigators to pursue their work and regain their momentum,” said Richert. Any or all of these projects could make a huge difference to people living with MS, and we cannot afford to let MS research projects fall by the wayside; the tremendous momentum we have developed must continue. Additionally, a lack of funding for these important projects could mean losing talented MS scientists from the field of MS forever, as they look for other projects on which they can start immediately.
Your partnership can help drive MS discoveries, ensure that MS research retains its momentum, and inspire others to take action. Learn more about how you can help advance MS research by calling 1-800-923-7727 and choosing option 5.