Genetics

Imagine your nervous system has a dedicated construction crew responsible for fixing damage, but a subtle typo in your DNA sends them home early. This post breaks down a pivotal study revealing how a specific genetic mutation in the IGF-1 gene leads to significantly lower levels of a crucial neuroprotective protein in patients with Multiple Sclerosis. By connecting this "functional" genetic variant to the body's reduced ability to repair myelin, we explore how this discovery helps explain why some individuals may be more susceptible to the disease and how it points toward new hope for protective therapies.