People living with MS may hold the key to curing this disease. They, and often their family members, can make a difference in studies of the genes that put people at risk for MS by donating their DNA from blood samples. Understanding the role of genes in MS could revolutionize the way this disease is diagnosed and treated, and ultimately lead to its prevention.
Two DNA banks listed below are seeking participants. The first seeks people with MS and family members; the second seeks people who have two or more different autoimmune diseases, such as MS and some other autoimmune disease, in their families.
DNA BANK FOR MS GENETIC STUDIES
The National MS Society has been supporting a DNA Bank at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) for many years. This bank is feeding many of the genetic breakthroughs happening today. The UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group is among the foremost teams in the world seeking to understand the genetic basis of MS. A large number of participants are needed to accelerate discovery. The bank provides resources not only for the UCSF team’s research, but also to other collaborating teams.
Family MS Study
The UCSF MS Genetics Group is looking for participation of two types of families: single-case and multi-case families.
- Single-case families are those where only one member is diagnosed with MS. For these families, the donation of a blood sample from the individual with MS and both their biological parents is required. If both parents are not able or willing to participate, the family cannot be enrolled at this time.
- Multi-case families are those where at least two living, full-biological siblings have been diagnosed with MS. For these families, the group collects blood samples from all affected siblings, all unaffected siblings, and both parents. If not all of the individuals requested are able to participate, enrollment is still possible and will be discussed by phone.
African-American MS Study
Different populations are being studied to learn why some ethnic groups develop MS at higher rates than others. The MS Genetics Group is asking for the donation of a blood sample from African-American individuals with MS and controls without MS. It is not required, but the participation of certain family members is preferred as well.
What is Involved?
Participants for either study will be asked to:
- fill out a family information form
- sign a form to release medical records (only people with MS)
- read and sign a consent and authorization form
- donate a blood sample (approximately five tablespoons)
If you are interested in participating, please contact:
Clinical Coordinator
UCSF Department of Neurology
513 Parnassus Avenue
Room S-256, Box 0435
San Francisco, CA 94143-0435
Phone: 1(866) MS-GENES or 1(866) 674-3637
Website: http://neurology.ucsf.edu/msdb/index.html
MULTIPLE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE GENETICS CONSORTIUM (MADGC)
MADGC is a group of genetic researchers who have joined efforts to identify and understand the genes that autoimmune diseases, including MS, have in common. If at least two members of your family are affected with different autoimmune diseases from the list below, your family may qualify to participate in this important research study:
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus
- Type I Diabetes
- Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease
- Psoriasis
- Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
What is Involved?
Participation includes a brief telephone interview and providing a blood sample, which can be drawn at your local clinic or MD’s office.
Learn more about this NIH-funded study or call either of these consortium members toll-free:
- EAST
North Shore University Hospital
Manhasset, NY
1-877-698-9467
- WEST
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minn.
1-888-226-8636
Learn more on the Search of MS Genes research.