The Genetic and Functional Analysis of NMO and MS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Genetic and Functional Analysis of Neuromyelitis Optica and Multiple Sclerosis
IRAS ID
115189
Contact name
Lars Fugger
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Research summary
The aim of the study is to identify and investigate genetic factors important for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and in multiple sclerosis (MS). Some of these factors may influence how likely an individual is to develop the disease, how the disease affects individuals, or how individuals respond to treatment. Identifying and analysing these genetic factors will provide valuable insight into the disease and hence bring us closer to effective treatments and preventative measures.
NMO and MS patients and their unaffected family members and acquaintances are eligible to participate in the study. Participants will be asked to provide a blood or saliva sample from which DNA (the material that contains the genetic code) will be extracted and used to search for genes important in NMO and MS. Some patients or unaffected individuals may be contacted to provide further blood samples to investigate the effects of identified genes, however, the provision of multiple samples is not a prerequisite for participation in the study. The duration of this study is 10 years and will be conducted at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford with all experimental analyses being performed in a laboratory environment.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/0057
Date of REC Opinion
15 Apr 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion