Takeaway
Multiple sclerosis (MS) risk variants act upon the brain during preadolescent neurodevelopment.
Why this matters
Approximately 233 genetic variants have been identified that each contribute a small amount to the overall risk of developing MS.
Patients with MS tend to display smaller regional brain volumes and alterations in white matter microstructure when compared to individuals without MS.
Whether a genetic risk for MS is associated with developing such structural brain changes is yet to be determined.
A relatively limited window of opportunity for treatment of MS exists during childhood neurodevelopment, identifying those at risk could aid in facilitating prevention.