September 26, 2007

Restless Legs Syndrome

Two new papers outline the existence of three genes that can account for 70% of RLS. This runs counter to one commonly held perception of the condition: that it has a non-organic origin.

The function of the identified genes seem to be involved generally in the development of spinal cord sensory pathways and lower extremity development. This seems to correlate wiell with the symptomatology of RLS and its counterpart Periodic Leg Movements of Sleep.

Winkelmann J, Meitinger T, et al. Genome-wide association study of restless legs syndrome identifies common variants in three genomic regions. Nature Genet 2007;39:1000-1006

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