Genetics

This blog post examines a large-scale biobank study investigating how genome-wide genetic susceptibility modifies the impact of early-life environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis. By integrating polygenic risk scores with detailed exposure data, the study demonstrates that childhood obesity confers a substantially greater risk of MS among individuals with high genetic liability, even beyond the major histocompatibility complex. These findings provide novel evidence for gene–environment interaction in MS, deepen understanding of disease pathogenesis, and highlight the potential for genetically informed prevention strategies targeting modifiable early-life risk factors.