Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Problem With MS Genetic TestingIs MS Hereditary?MS CausesWhat You Can DoFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
The Problem With MS Genetic Testing
Is MS Hereditary?
MS Causes
What You Can Do
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiple sclerosis (MS)runs in families, and genetic changes that increase the risk for it are passed from parents to children. No genetic test can yet reveal whether you or your child will develop the condition,but researchers are making strides in learning about the contributing factors of MS, including the role of genetics and environmental factors.
This article explores the knowns and unknowns of MS genetics, how susceptibility is passed from one generation to the next, the various causes of MS, and how you may be able to lower your risk of developing this condition.
Researchers have found that more than 200 genes appear to contribute to your risk of MS. It may seem like scientists should be able to devise a test based on that, however it’s not that simple. There’s still much about MS that isn’t understood.
Knowns
What experts do know is:
In some diseases that involve genetics, the responsible genes are defective. They produce abnormal proteins that don’t perform their intended functions properly.
That’s not the case with MS though. Instead, certain genes have minor differences between people with MS and those without it. These differences are called polymorphisms.
You can think of polymorphisms as puzzle pieces that don’t quite fit together the way they should. The cells they produce have subtle differences from the same cells in someone without the polymorphisms.
Thus, people with MS end up with cells that don’t work quite right. These abnormal cells are part of the immune system,brain, and spinal cord.
Is Multiple Sclerosis Genetic Testing Available?
Unknowns
Experts know that’s not the whole picture. Most people with MS-related polymorphisms never develop the disease. And some people with MS don’t carry any known polymorphisms.
Researchers are still confirming triggers of changes that appear to start the MS disease process. And they’re trying to understand why they have that effect. They believe those triggers are environmental, meaning you encounter them during your life rather than being born with them.
Thehuman genomeis incredibly complex. It’s one thing to identify a genetic variation and statistically link it to a disease. Fully interpreting and understanding these variations is far more difficult. In MS, researchers have identified more than 200 variants associated with susceptibility to MS.
RecapMS is autoimmune and tends to run in families, but no genetic test can tell you whether you will develop the condition. More than 200 genes are tied to MS risk, but much is still not understood about them.
Recap
MS is autoimmune and tends to run in families, but no genetic test can tell you whether you will develop the condition. More than 200 genes are tied to MS risk, but much is still not understood about them.
Because genetics make up part of your MS risk, it is considered a disease with a genetic component. Since people can carry the polymorphisms without ever developing MS, the emphasis is on environmental triggers and how they interact with genetics to cause MS to develop.
Genetic polymorphisms are passed down from parents to children, so MS does run in families. Having a close relative with MS makes it considerably more likely that you’ll have MS one day.
What Is Epigenetics?Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.
What Is Epigenetics?
Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.
Genetic Factors
One of the most important genes linked to MS is from the family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex. HLA genes affect a protein on the surface of all of your cells.
It’s that protein that tells the immune system that the cell is part of your body rather than something that’ll make you sick. So that may be why the immune system attacks where it does, and that’s what leads toMS symptoms.
The specific HLA gene implicated in MS is called HLA-DRB1. Other major genetic changes known to be associated with MS include:
Environmental Factors
Researchers have identified a range of environmental factors that combine with genetics to trigger MS, including:
Exposures seem to have the biggest impact during adolescence. It’s possible that living far north or south of the equator and working at night contribute to inadequate sun exposure, which leads to low vitamin D levels.
What Is the Epstein-Barr Virus?The Epstein-Barr virus causesmononucleosis, also called “mono” or the “kissing disease.” It’s a suspect trigger for multiple autoimmune diseases, including MS.
What Is the Epstein-Barr Virus?
The Epstein-Barr virus causesmononucleosis, also called “mono” or the “kissing disease.” It’s a suspect trigger for multiple autoimmune diseases, including MS.
Several of these factors are known to cause epigenetic changes in HLA genes. All of the suspected environmental factors have been shown to influence immune function.
RecapMS isn’t hereditary, but it has a genetic component that combines with environmental factors to trigger the disease. You’re more likely to have MS if a close relative does. Genes linked to MS help the body distinguish its own tissues from foreign invaders like a virus. They’re also involved with vitamin D processing and cellular inflammation.
MS isn’t hereditary, but it has a genetic component that combines with environmental factors to trigger the disease. You’re more likely to have MS if a close relative does. Genes linked to MS help the body distinguish its own tissues from foreign invaders like a virus. They’re also involved with vitamin D processing and cellular inflammation.
Watch for Symptoms
Earlydiagnosisandtreatmentare believed to slow the progression of MS, so being aware of early symptoms is important. Some common early symptoms include:
While certain symptoms may be more common in the early stages of MS, this disease is highly variable. Don’t assume your symptoms aren’t due to MS just because your early symptoms aren’t typical.
Some studies have identified environmental factors that appear to decrease MS risk. These include:
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Summary
No genetic tests are available for MS. Changes in 200 genes are linked to the disease, but not everyone with MS has them, and most people with these changes don’t have MS. The changes are polymorphisms, not faulty genes.
MS has a genetic component but isn’t hereditary. You’re at higher risk if you have a close relative with it. Genetics and environment together cause MS. Genes dealing with the immune system and identifying foreign invaders are involved. Environmental factors include smoking, adolescent obesity, hormones, infection with certain viruses, and dietary issues.
A Word From Verywell
While genetic testing can’t currently predict whether you or your child will develop multiple sclerosis, it may someday be able to. Genetic research may lead to better diagnostic tests and treatments, as well.
Until then, talk to your doctor about your risk factors and watch for early symptoms. Above all, focus on living a healthy lifestyle. That’s likely to benefit you in myriad ways, which may include reducing your risk of MS.
Frequently Asked QuestionsNo, genetic testing for MS isn’t yet a reliable predictor of who will develop the disease.The disease itself isn’t directly inherited. However, you can pass a genetic susceptibility to your child. That susceptibility combined with certain environmental triggers (e.g., smoking, certain viruses) could lead to MS.Environmental factors believed to trigger MS in genetically susceptible people include:Cigarette smokingAdolescent obesityHormonesLow vitamin D levelsLiving farther from the equatorExposure to organic solventsExposure to certain viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)Possibly, high levels of dietary saltLearn MoreThe Environment’s Impact on Your HealthIf you don’t have any close relatives with MS, you have between a 0.1% and 0.2% chance of developing it.If you have a parent with MS, the risk is about 1.5%.If you have a sibling with MS, your risk is around 2.7%.If you have an identical twin with MS, your risk is around 30%.Learn MoreMS Causes and Risk Factors
No, genetic testing for MS isn’t yet a reliable predictor of who will develop the disease.
The disease itself isn’t directly inherited. However, you can pass a genetic susceptibility to your child. That susceptibility combined with certain environmental triggers (e.g., smoking, certain viruses) could lead to MS.
Environmental factors believed to trigger MS in genetically susceptible people include:Cigarette smokingAdolescent obesityHormonesLow vitamin D levelsLiving farther from the equatorExposure to organic solventsExposure to certain viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)Possibly, high levels of dietary saltLearn MoreThe Environment’s Impact on Your Health
Environmental factors believed to trigger MS in genetically susceptible people include:Cigarette smokingAdolescent obesityHormonesLow vitamin D levelsLiving farther from the equatorExposure to organic solventsExposure to certain viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)Possibly, high levels of dietary salt
Environmental factors believed to trigger MS in genetically susceptible people include:
Learn MoreThe Environment’s Impact on Your Health
If you don’t have any close relatives with MS, you have between a 0.1% and 0.2% chance of developing it.If you have a parent with MS, the risk is about 1.5%.If you have a sibling with MS, your risk is around 2.7%.If you have an identical twin with MS, your risk is around 30%.Learn MoreMS Causes and Risk Factors
If you don’t have any close relatives with MS, you have between a 0.1% and 0.2% chance of developing it.If you have a parent with MS, the risk is about 1.5%.If you have a sibling with MS, your risk is around 2.7%.If you have an identical twin with MS, your risk is around 30%.
Learn MoreMS Causes and Risk Factors
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Genetics Education Canada - Knowledge Organization.Multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Limited.Genetic & environmental factors.Gao K.The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis.Nat Med. 2019;25(11):1647. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0656-3National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Study question influence of high-salt diet on MS.Didonna A, Oksenberg JR.The genetics of multiple sclerosis. In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors. Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet]. 2017 Nov 27. Chapter 1. doi:10.15586/codon.multiplesclerosis.2017.ch1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is epigenetics?MedlinePlus.CYP27B1 gene.MedlinePlus.IL7R gene.MedlinePlus.TNFRSF1A gene.Olsson T, Barcellos LF, Alfredsson L.Interactions between genetic, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis.Nat Rev Neurol. 2017;13(1):25-36. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.187Cleveland Clinic.4 early warning signs of MS you shouldn’t ignore.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Society.Causes of MS.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Genetics Education Canada - Knowledge Organization.Multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Limited.Genetic & environmental factors.Gao K.The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis.Nat Med. 2019;25(11):1647. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0656-3National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Study question influence of high-salt diet on MS.Didonna A, Oksenberg JR.The genetics of multiple sclerosis. In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors. Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet]. 2017 Nov 27. Chapter 1. doi:10.15586/codon.multiplesclerosis.2017.ch1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is epigenetics?MedlinePlus.CYP27B1 gene.MedlinePlus.IL7R gene.MedlinePlus.TNFRSF1A gene.Olsson T, Barcellos LF, Alfredsson L.Interactions between genetic, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis.Nat Rev Neurol. 2017;13(1):25-36. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.187Cleveland Clinic.4 early warning signs of MS you shouldn’t ignore.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Society.Causes of MS.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Genetics Education Canada - Knowledge Organization.Multiple sclerosis.MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Limited.Genetic & environmental factors.Gao K.The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis.Nat Med. 2019;25(11):1647. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0656-3National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Study question influence of high-salt diet on MS.Didonna A, Oksenberg JR.The genetics of multiple sclerosis. In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors. Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet]. 2017 Nov 27. Chapter 1. doi:10.15586/codon.multiplesclerosis.2017.ch1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is epigenetics?MedlinePlus.CYP27B1 gene.MedlinePlus.IL7R gene.MedlinePlus.TNFRSF1A gene.Olsson T, Barcellos LF, Alfredsson L.Interactions between genetic, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis.Nat Rev Neurol. 2017;13(1):25-36. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.187Cleveland Clinic.4 early warning signs of MS you shouldn’t ignore.National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.Multiple Sclerosis Society.Causes of MS.
Genetics Education Canada - Knowledge Organization.Multiple sclerosis.
MedlinePlus.Multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis Limited.Genetic & environmental factors.
Gao K.The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis.Nat Med. 2019;25(11):1647. doi:10.1038/s41591-019-0656-3
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Study question influence of high-salt diet on MS.
Didonna A, Oksenberg JR.The genetics of multiple sclerosis. In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors. Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet]. 2017 Nov 27. Chapter 1. doi:10.15586/codon.multiplesclerosis.2017.ch1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is epigenetics?
MedlinePlus.CYP27B1 gene.
MedlinePlus.IL7R gene.
MedlinePlus.TNFRSF1A gene.
Olsson T, Barcellos LF, Alfredsson L.Interactions between genetic, lifestyle and environmental risk factors for multiple sclerosis.Nat Rev Neurol. 2017;13(1):25-36. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.187
Cleveland Clinic.4 early warning signs of MS you shouldn’t ignore.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.
Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis Society.Causes of MS.
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