Theres still much about MS that isnt understood.
They produce abnormal proteins that dont perform their intended functions properly.
Thats not the case with MS though.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Instead, certain genes have minor differences between people with MS and those without it.
These differences are called polymorphisms.
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 dont work quite right.
These abnormal cells are part of the immune system,brain, and spinal cord.
Unknowns
Experts know thats not the whole picture.
Most people with MS-related polymorphisms never develop the disease.
And some people with MS dont carry any known polymorphisms.
Researchers are still confirming triggers of changes that appear to start the MS disease process.
And theyre trying to understand why they have that effect.
Thehuman genomeis incredibly complex.
Its one thing to identify a genetic variation and statistically link it to a disease.
Fully interpreting and understanding these variations is far more difficult.
Researchers still face gaps in knowledge that may one day be filled in by genetic studies.
More than 200 genes are tied to MS risk, but much is still not understood about them.
Is MS Hereditary?
Multiple sclerosis is not ahereditary disease.
Hereditary diseases are caused purely by genetics.
If you have the gene, you either have the disease or will develop it eventually.
Because genetics make up part of your MS risk, it is considered a disease with a genetic component.
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 youll have MS one day.
What Is Epigenetics?
HLA genes affect a protein on the surface of all of your cells.
So that may be why the immune system attacks where it does, and thats what leads toMS symptoms.
The specific HLA gene implicated in MS is called HLA-DRB1.
What Is the Epstein-Barr Virus?
The Epstein-Barr virus causesmononucleosis, also called mono or the kissing disease.
All of the suspected environmental factors have been shown to influence immune function.
MS isnt hereditary, but it has a genetic component that combines with environmental factors to trigger the disease.
Youre 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.
Theyre also involved with vitamin D processing and cellular inflammation.
Dont assume your symptoms arent due to MS just because your early symptoms arent typical.
Some studies have identified environmental factors that appear to decrease MS risk.
Focusing on a healthy lifestyle is better for your overall health.
The changes are polymorphisms, not faulty genes.
MS has a genetic component but isnt hereditary.
Youre 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.
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.
The disease itself isnt directly inherited.
However, you’re free to pass a genetic susceptibility to your child.
Multiple Sclerosis Limited.Genetic & environmental factors.
Gao K.The genetic architecture of multiple sclerosis.Nat Med.
In: Zagon IS, McLaughlin PJ, editors.
Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis [Internet].
Chapter 1. doi:10.15586/codon.multiplesclerosis.2017.ch1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What is epigenetics?
2017;13(1):25-36. doi:10.1038/nrneurol.2016.187
Cleveland Clinic.4 early warning signs of MS you shouldnt ignore.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.MS symptoms.
Rush University Medical Center.Early signs of multiple sclerosis.
Multiple Sclerosis Society.Causes of MS.
