BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk// X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:"\;Give us the tools\, and we will finish the job"\; - Dr Stephen Sawcer\, Neurology Unit\, Department of Clinical Neurosciences DTSTART:20080418T080000Z DTEND:20080418T090000Z UID:TALK11693@talks.cam.ac.uk CONTACT:Hannah Critchlow DESCRIPTION:Although the precise aetiology of multiple sclerosis remains u ncertain\, available epidemiological data indicates that the disease most likely results from unknown environmental factors acting on genetically su sceptible individuals\; with "nurture" seeming to account for most of the differences between populations and "nature" primarily determining who is affected within any given population. Results from careful analysis of fam ilial recurrence risks and whole genome linkage studies indicate that susc eptibility is determined by a set of relatively common alleles\, each exer ting only a modest individual effect on risk. Regrettably\, identifying th ese genes has proven to be difficult. The disproportionately large\, but s till relatively modest effect attributable to the DRB1 gene enabled its ea rly identification\, but thereafter three decades of intense international efforts have failed to identify any other loci. Fortunately progress in t he human genome project has now reached the point where the resources and technology necessary to identify relevant loci are available and affordabl e. The first application of these exciting new tools has already confirmed the involvement of Interleukin 7 Receptor (IL7R) and Interleukin 2 Recept or (IL2R). It is clear that the analysis of the complex genetics determini ng susceptibility to multiple sclerosis is entering a new era LOCATION:Physiology Lecture Theatre END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR