Thus, we describe a novel susceptibility variant for MS in OAS1 and show that population genetic analyses can be instrumental to the identification of selection targets and, consequently, of functional polymorphisms with an effect on phenotypic traits.
Although still preliminary, a few recent observations also substantiate a possible role for OAS1 in human susceptibility to viral infections (West Nile virus, SARS, etc.) and its possible involvement in some other diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Future studies in a larger sample and association analysis with functional variants will clarify the role of the OAS1 gene in the susceptibility to MS.
Future studies in a larger sample and association analysis with functional variants will clarify the role of the OAS1 gene in the susceptibility to MS.