Pregnancy and Methylation changes in MS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pregnancy and Methylation changes in Multiple Sclerosis
IRAS ID
332591
Contact name
Ruth Dobson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study is designed to study why people with MS are less likely to have relapses when they are pregnant. It is likely that hormone changes that occur during pregnancy affect immune cells and how they work, but we don't know the details of how this happens, particularly in diseases like MS. Previous work has shown that the way DNA is packaged and marked changes during pregnancy and this can change the signals that cells give off.
No-one has looked at these changes in DNA packaging and marking that occur across pregnancy in people with MS and whether any changes occur in specific immune cells. We will do this, and we will also look for any changes that persist after pregnancy.
By understanding how pregnancy affects DNA packaging to reduce MS activity, either temporarily or in the longer term, we will better understand what drives inflammation in MS. Long term hormone treatments are not the best option, and more targeted treatments are needed. This study will help researchers understand how to develop new treatments, which may be able to stop MS.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0046
Date of REC Opinion
1 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion