Predicting MS using genetics and healthcare data
We know that some risk factors, for example certain genes or infections, can increase someone’s risk of getting MS. Most of the previous research looking at these factors, and how they interact, only looked at people with White ancestry. But MS affects people from all backgrounds.
Some research suggests that these risk factors have similar effects between people of different backgrounds. But there have not been large studies that look at both genetics and other risk factors in diverse populations.
About the project
The aim of this project is to develop better ways to predict who is most likely to develop MS. The researchers want to develop risk scores that are more equitable. That means they’ll work well across people from different backgrounds.
The researchers will use data from large existing studies that combine information from questionnaires with healthcare records and genetic information. They’ll use a new resource, called Our Future Health. People taking part in this study have answered detailed questionnaires, provided genetic samples, and allowed researchers to look at all of their healthcare data. The unique thing about Our Future Health is that it’s more diverse than any other similar resource. This will allow the researchers to study MS risk in a more diverse group of people than ever before.
Using Our Future Health and data from other studies, the researchers will develop and test a range of risk scores that include information about someone’s lifestyle, general health and genetic information. They’ll then test how well these risk scores predict:
- If someone will get MS
- If they’ll have changes in their MRI scans or blood that may indicate MS.
How will it help people with MS?
This work will potentially bring future benefit to people at risk of MS, for example relatives of people living with MS. By improving our understanding of risk factors for MS, we will be able to identify the most effective ways to intervene to reduce future MS risk.
Additionally, this knowledge could help shape future studies and potentially allow researchers to identify potential research participants for studies aimed at preventing or reducing the risk of MS.
