Multiple sclerosis: OAS1 genotype linked to multiple sclerosis severity.

摘要

A research team based in Dublin, Ireland has provided new evidence that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) gene, the product of which has a pivotal role in the innate immune response to viral infection, influences multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility and disease severity. The SNP is situated at the exon 7 splice-acceptor site of OAS1, and gives rise to three possible genotypes: AA, GG and AG. The new study, conducted by Margaret O'Brien and colleagues at St Vincent's University Hospital, indicates that individuals with the AA genotype are more susceptible to developing MS than those with either of the other two genotypes. The GG genotype, on the other hand, seems to confer a protective effect against increased disease activity in patients with MS.