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 ending MS forever through 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 a shared resource that is feeding many of the genetic breakthroughs happening today. The UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group is a founding member of the International MS Genetics Consortium seeking to understand the genetic basis of MS. A large number of participants are needed to accelerate discovery. Please note: this is a nationwide study; and people everywhere can participate without living near or traveling to San Francisco, CA.
Family MS Study
The UCSF MS Genetics Group is looking for participation of two types of families: single-case and multi-case families.
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Single-case families are those where only one member is diagnosed with MS. Participation will require a one-time donation of blood from the individual with MS and, if available, a control. The control cannot be a family member but can be a spouse or friend. Preferably the control will be of the same ethnicity and approximately the same age as the individual with MS.
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Multi-case families are those where multiple living, family members have been diagnosed with MS. For these families, the group collects blood samples from all affected family members, unaffected siblings, and both parents of individuals diagnosed with MS. 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:
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Read and sign a consent and authorization form
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Sign a form to release medical records (only individuals with MS)
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Complete a family information form
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Donate a blood sample (approximately five tablespoons)
At all times, records and other information that is shared with the investigators are handled in a confidential manner. There will be no charges for participation in this study.
To participate or request additional information, please complete this brief intake survey.
OR you may contact the DNA bank directly:
UCSF Clinical Coordinator
675 Nelson Rising Lane, Suite 235A, Box 3206
San Francisco, CA 94158
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-MS-Genes (1-866-674-3637)
Email: msdb@ucsf.edu
Website: http://msgenetics.ucsf.edu/
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:
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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.