<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Australian researchers are launching a landmark study to identify the </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/health" rel="" target="_blank" title="genetic cause"><span>genetic cause</span></a><span> of multiple sclerosis (MS).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>MS impacts more than 33,000 people in Australia however the exact cause of the disease remains unclear.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>While it is believed DNA, environmental factors and a common virus known as Epstein-Barr could trigger MS, scientists at University of South Australia are investigating the "biology" behind a person's risk of developing it.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-couple-esta-problem-cruise-cancelled-face-ban-from-travelling-to-usa-exclusive/c776994f-92cf-458f-b1d8-7de44ed985fa" target="_blank"><strong><span>Aussie couple's dream holiday ruined over US immigration debacle</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>MS is a central nervous system autoimmune condiiton which impacts muscles and can result in fatigue, difficulty walking, loss of balance and pain.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>According to MS Australia, symptoms can be "varied and unpredictable".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The university will conduct an Australian-first study using a method known as "recall by genotype" to explore the genetic causes of MS.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/multiple-schlerosis-research-to-identity-early-signs-of-disease/8af56b6a-70b2-4dfb-b1e4-e25e7ca97ef9" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The research could uncover how the Epstein-Barr virus leads to MS in some people but not in others.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"For many years we've known that the Epstein-Barr virus is a likely precursor for MS," said lead researcher Dr David Stacey said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"But because the virus affects up to 90% of the population, it's difficult to pin down why some people go on to develop MS while others don't.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We believe the way a person's immune system responds to the Epstein-Barr virus may be a key factor, and genetics can help us uncover that."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/michigan-walmart-stabbing-bystanders-stop-attack-on-11-people/12d77ebe-10c8-46d7-ae4c-48713fe37b23" target="_blank"><strong><span>Armed with just a trolley, Matthew rammed into mass stabber</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The study will involve over calculating the genetic risk scores for over 1000 participants from South Australia who have not been diagnosed with MS.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It will then compare traits against those with a high or low risk.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"By grouping people based on their genetic profile, we expect to find those with a high genetic risk for MS will also show biological differences – even if they don't have the disease," Dr Stacey added.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"That could reveal how the Epstein-Barr virus and MS are connected and identify early warning signs or biomarkers for MS."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/police-hunt-gunman-who-shot-police-officer-civilians-manhattan-us/c545d211-0267-4535-a2fb-5372d477de94" target="_blank"><strong><span>Four dead, including police officer, in Manhattan shooting</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The 'recall by genotype' method used in this study will guide other researchers to establish standards operating procedures in similar genetic studies.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Dr Stacey said it will help tackle ethical questions regarding sharing genetic risk information with patients.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If we identify people who are at risk of developing MS, we need to consider how – and whether – to share that information, particularly as this information may not yet be clinically actionable," Dr Stacey said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This study will explore those ethical, legal and social questions to guide how future studies approach personal genetic risk."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's hoped the study will help support early diagnostic tools and preventative strategies for MS.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-to-follow-9news-digital/29855bb1-ad3d-4c38-bc25-3cb52af1216f" target="_blank"><strong><em><span>DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP</span></em></strong></a><strong><em><span>: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. 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