{"id":51018,"date":"2025-08-07T02:52:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T02:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/51018\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T02:52:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T02:52:08","slug":"world-first-study-by-unisa-uses-dna-to-spot-early-warning-signs-of-ms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/51018\/","title":{"rendered":"World-first study by UniSA uses DNA to spot early warning signs of MS"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Image Credit: University of South Australia<\/p>\n

In a groundbreaking world-first, researchers at the University of South Australia are using DNA to help identify early warning signs of multiple sclerosis (MS), long before symptoms appear.<\/p>\n

Funded by an\u00a0MS Australia Incubator Grant, the project uses a new research method known as \u2018recall by genotype\u2019 to explore the genetic and biological factors that could predict a person\u2019s risk of developing the disease, thus paving the way for earlier diagnosis, targeted treatments and even prevention. <\/p>\n

Led by Dr David Stacey, the study will focus on the\u00a0Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common infection that causes glandular fever and is strongly linked to MS. While EBV affects up to 90% of the population, only a small percentage develop MS, which disrupts communication between the brain, spinal cord and body. <\/p>\n

Still, the autoimmune condition affects more than 33,000 Australians, and the exact cause remains unknown, though genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a key role.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor many years we\u2019ve known that the Epstein-Barr virus is a likely precursor for MS,\u201d Dr Stacey says.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut because the virus affects up to 90% of the population, it\u2019s difficult to pin down why some people go on to develop MS while others don\u2019t. We believe the way a person\u2019s immune system responds to the Epstein-Barr virus may be a key factor, and genetics can help us uncover that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Dr David Stacey, MS Australia (supplied)<\/p>\n

The team will use an innovative technique called\u00a0recall by genotype (RbG), never before applied to MS research, to group participants based on whether they have a high or low genetic risk. More than 1000 South Australians without an MS diagnosis will have their genetic risk scored, and then compare biological traits in a subset of participants with either high or low genetic risk.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy grouping people based on their genetic profile, we expect to find those with a high genetic risk for MS will also show biological differences \u2013 even if they don\u2019t have the disease,\u201d Dr Stacey says.<\/p>\n

Like studying the immune system\u2019s blueprint before the disease starts, it may lead to earlier detection, new treatments or even prevention.<\/p>\n

The study will also address the ethical and social implications of using personal genetic information in research.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf we identify people who are at risk of developing MS, we need to consider how \u2013 and whether \u2013 to share that information, particularly as this information may not yet be clinically actionable,\u201d Dr Stacey says.<\/p>\n

Dr Stacey\u2019s project is one of four funded through\u00a0MS Australia\u2019s 2025 Incubator Grant\u00a0program. <\/p>\n

\u201cSome of the most exciting breakthroughs begin with a bold question and a well-placed investment,\u201d says Dr Tennille Luker, Head of Research at MS Australia.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Incubator Grants are designed to encourage new ideas while helping grow and strengthen a world-class Australian MS research community.\u201d<\/p>\n

With collaborators from the\u00a0Perron Institute\u00a0and the\u00a0University of Adelaide, the team hopes their findings will spark larger studies and lay the groundwork for early diagnostic tools, an important step towards better treatment and prevention for the thousands of Aussies living with MS.<\/p>\n

What: Study uses\u00a0DNA\u00a0to investigate who develops MS and why
Who: MS Australia, University of South Australia, Perron Institute and the\u00a0University of Adelaide
When: Study released July 30 2025
For more info, click here. <\/a><\/p>\n

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