MS Susceptibility Genes Introduced to Europe 5000 Years Ago According to Study Published in Nature

Genes associated with susceptibility for multiple sclerosis (MS) may have been introduced to Northern Europe 5000 years ago, according to new study results published in Nature. The study was conducted to investigate potential causes for the significantly greater prevalence of MS among White people of Northern European descent as compared to other populations.

Researchers extracted genetic material from the teeth and bones of 86 people who were alive in Medieval or post-Medieval Denmark. The extracted genomes were sequenced and genetically imputed along with 1664 additional ancient genomes from an accompanying study, which combined the genomes of 317 ancient Europeans and over 1300 other ancient Eurasians. Researchers compared geographic burial location with genetic marker and ages to determine how genomic characteristics of European populations changed over time with successive waves of migration.

The study findings suggest that MS susceptibility genes were introduced to Northern Europe approximately 5000 years ago, coinciding with migrations of herders into the region from the Pontic Step (comprising Eastern Europe and Central Asia). The study authors state that ancient herder populations evolved to express these genes, which are related largely to autoimmune function, to develop better resistance against animal-borne pathogens associated with the advent of pastoral lifestyles. In subsequent generations, the genes have contributed to increased risk and prevalence for MS.