A Comprehensive Examination of the Role of Epigenetic Factors in Multiple Sclerosis

Abstract

According to various research, the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) is strongly influenced by genetic variations. Population, familial, and molecular studies provide strong empirical support for a polygenic pattern of inheritance, mainly due to relatively common allelic variants in the general population. The strongest MS susceptibility locus, which was unmistakably identified in tested populations, is the major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6p21.3. However, the effect of a given predisposing variant remains modest, so there is the possibility that multiple gene-gene and/or gene-environment interactions could significantly increase the contribution of specific variants to the overall genetic risk. Furthermore, as is known, susceptibility genes can be subject to epigenetic modifications, which greatly increase the complexity of MS heritability. Investigating epigenetic and environmental factors can provide new opportunities for the molecular basis of the MS, which shows complicated pathogenesis. Although studies of epigenetic changes in MS only began in the last decade, a growing body of literature suggests that these may be involved in the development of MS. Here, we summarize recent studies regarding epigenetic changes related to MS initiation and progression. Furthermore, we discuss how current studies address important clinical questions and how future studies could be used in clinical practice.

Keywords: biomarkers; environmental factors; epigenetic modifications; multiple sclerosis.

Figure 1

Risk factors of multiple sclerosis.

Figure 2

Epigenetic mechanisms.