A genome screen for multiple sclerosis in Italian families

We have screened the whole genome for linkage in 40 Italian multiplex families with multiple sclerosis using 322 markers.The GENEHUNTER-PLUS program was used to analyse these data and revealed eight regions of potential linkage wherethe lod score exceeds the nominal 5% significance level (0.7). No region of linkage with genome-wide significance wasidentified and none of the markers showed evidence of statistically significant transmission disequilibrium. Overall theseresults have refined the linkage data relating to this disease in Italians modestly supporting some previously identifiedareas of interest and helping to exclude others.Genes and Immunity (2001) 2, 205–210.Keywords: multiple sclerosis; linkage; genome screen; genetic susceptibility