Andlauer TF, Buck D, Antony G, Bayas A, Bechmann L, Berthele A, Chan A, Gasperi C, Gold R, Graetz C, Haas J, Hecker M, Infante-Duarte C, Knop M, Kümpfel T, Limmroth V, Linker RA, Loleit V, Luessi F Meuth SG, Mühlau M, Nischwitz S, Paul F, Pütz M, Ruck T, Salmen A, Stangel M, Stellmann JP, Stürner KH, Tackenberg B, Then Bergh F, Tumani H, Warnke C, Weber F, Wiendl H, Wildemann B, Zettl UK, Ziemann U, Zipp F, Arloth J, Weber P, Radivojkov-Blagojevic M, Scheinhardt MO, Dankowski T, Bettecken T, Lichtner P, Czamara D, Carrillo-Roa T, Binder EB, Berger K, Bertram L, Franke A, Gieger C, Herms S, Homuth G, Ising M, Jöckel KH, Kacprowski T, Kloiber S, Laudes M, Lieb W, Lill CM, Lucae S, Meitinger T, Moebus S, Müller-Nurasyid M, Nöthen MM, Petersmann A, Rawal R, Schminke U, Strauch K, Völzke H, Waldenberger M, Wellmann J, Porcu E, Mulas A, Pitzalis M, Sidore C, Zara I, Cucca F, Zoledziewska M, Ziegler A, Hemmer B, Müller-Myhsok B.
We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility in German cohorts with 4888 cases and 10,395 controls. In addition to associations within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region, 15 non-MHC loci reached genome-wide significance. Four of these loci are novel MS susceptibility loci. They map to the genes L3MBTL3, MAZ, ERG, and SHMT1. The lead variant at SHMT1 was replicated in an independent Sardinian cohort. Products of the genes L3MBTL3, MAZ, and ERG play important roles in immune cell regulation. SHMT1 encodes a serine hydroxymethyltransferase catalyzing the transfer of a carbon unit to the folate cycle. This reaction is required for regulation of methylation homeostasis, which is important for establishment and maintenance of epigenetic signatures. Our GWAS approach in a defined population with limited genetic substructure detected associations not found in larger, more heterogeneous cohorts, thus providing new clues regarding MS pathogenesis.Sci Adv. 2016 Jun 17;2(6)
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