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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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New Genetic Ties to MS Found

Findings represent stunning medical breakthrough

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(Newser) – Scientists have pinpointed two genes that may be linked to MS, signaling a breakthrough in the fight against the debilitating disease 20 years in the making. In separate studies published today by two medical journals, researchers revealed one specific gene receptor may trigger cells to inhibit the body's autoimmune reaction, the first ever genetic culprit in the crippling disorder.

In one study, scientists scanned the entire human genome of 12,000 people for risk factors of the disease, which affects more than 350,000 Americans. For all of their promise, none of their newly discovered genes, Reuters says, seems to be as closely associated to MS as a cluster of genes that's essential to the immune system.

Television talk show host Montel Williams emphasizes a point as he speaks at a news conference, Friday, March 23, 2007, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. Williams, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, urged Connecticut lawmakers to pass legislation this year allowing the medical use of marijuana. (AP Photo/Bob...
Television talk show host Montel Williams emphasizes a point as he speaks at a news conference, Friday, March 23, 2007, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. Williams, who suffers from...   (Associated Press)
US NEWS MED-MSDRUG MW
US NEWS MED-MSDRUG MW   (KRT Photos)
Patient Ron Reed, left, receives a neurological exam by Dr. Michael Stein on Friday April 18, 2003 in Walnut Creek, California. Dr. Stein is one of only three physicians in California and 35 worldwide
Patient Ron Reed, left, receives a neurological exam by Dr. Michael Stein on Friday April 18, 2003 in Walnut Creek, California. Dr. Stein is one of only three physicians in California and 35 worldwide   (KRT Photos)
Actress Teri Garr Confirms She Has Multiple Sclerosis
Actress Teri Garr Confirms She Has Multiple Sclerosis   (Getty Images)
___UPF_START_OF_TABLE___Document NameUS NEWS MED-TRAUMATREAT MIDocument DateFeb/11/2006PhotographerCarl JusteFormat2400 x 1655 Color JPEGCategoryAKeywordskrthealthmed, krtnational national, krtusnews,
___UPF_START_OF_TABLE___Document NameUS NEWS MED-TRAUMATREAT MIDocument DateFeb/11/2006PhotographerCarl JusteFormat2400 x 1655 Color JPEGCategoryAKeywordskrthealthmed, krtnational national, krtusnews,   (KRT Photos)
Tina Allerellie holds up a picture of herself with her sister Karen Shoffstall, right, at their her parents home on Thursday, May 31, 2007 in Guelph, Ontario. Some relatives of people who died with Dr. Jack Kevorkian's help say his release from prison stirs up grief over the deaths of...
Tina Allerellie holds up a picture of herself with her sister Karen Shoffstall, right, at their her parents home on Thursday, May 31, 2007 in Guelph, Ontario. Some relatives of people who died with Dr....   (Associated Press)
Television talk show host Montel Williams emphasizes a point as he speaks at a news conference, Friday, March 23, 2007, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. Williams, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, urged Connecticut lawmakers to pass legislation this year allowing the medical use of marijuana. (AP Photo/Bob...
Television talk show host Montel Williams emphasizes a point as he speaks at a news conference, Friday, March 23, 2007, at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Conn. Williams, who suffers from...   (Associated Press)
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