Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in comprehending the evolution of multiple sclerosis (MS) by employing an extensive analysis of DNA from ancient remains. Over the course of more than a decade, scientists delved into the genetic makeup of these remains to unravel the reasons behind the geographic variations in the prevalence of certain diseases in Europe.
The study revealed that the genetic variants that elevate the risk of developing MS can be traced back 5,000 years to the migration of Yamnaya herders from eastern to northwestern Europe. At that time, these herders developed gene variations that provided protection against animal-borne diseases. However, in the present day, these very same variants have been identified as potential contributors to increased MS susceptibility.
Dr. William Barrie from the University of Cambridge, one of the authors of the study, expressed astonishment at the findings. The discovery has “astounded” him and his colleagues, as it sheds light on the enigmatic nature of MS. Professor Lars Fugger from the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford echoed this sentiment, stating that it helps to “demystify” the disease.
The exact cause of MS remains unknown, but experts have established that it involves the immune system erroneously attacking the central nervous system. This groundbreaking research, published in the journal Nature, paves the way for further investigations into the origins of MS. According to Dr. Barrie, this novel understanding of MS challenges the notion that it is caused by mutations and suggests that it is driven instead by normal genes that evolved to defend against pathogens.
The implications of this finding are far-reaching; it highlights the need to recalibrate the immune system rather than suppress it. This shift in perspective can potentially revolutionize the treatment and management of the disease.
Buoyed by this breakthrough, the research team intends to extend their investigation to other conditions like ADHD and bipolar disorder, with hopes of unraveling their evolutionary origins through DNA analysis.