Multiple sclerosis progression and galanin receptor GALR2: is there evidence for a link?

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Given the recently proposed role of the rare galanin receptor-2 (GALR2) genes missense mutation (SNP rs61745847) in the etiology of MS, we genotyped rs61745847 in a group of MS patients that was enriched with an unfavorable disease course cases.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study cohort consisted of 100 MS patients selected based on their progressive course, high disease progression rate and pediatric onset. To determine the nucleotide sequence of GALR2 gene fragment, surrounding the rs61745847 area, Sanger sequencing of PCR amplicons was performed.
 RESULTS: No homozygous rs61745847 carrier was found in our cohort, and the region of exon 2 surrounding rs61745847 completely coincided with the reference sequence (Gene Bank NC_000017.11). In agreement with previously published data on Canadian and Brazilian populations of patients, our study of a Russian cohort confirmed the rarity of the rs61745847 variant, including among patients with rapidly progressive MS.
 CONCLUSIONS: Thus, although structural changes in the GALR2 gene associated with rs61745847 may play a significant role in individual patients carrying this rare mutation, it is unlikely that such changes determine an unfavorable disease course of MS in general.