First Potential Genetic Mutation Linked To Restless Legs Syndrome Identified

In an international study led by Mayo Clinic scientists, researchers have discovered the first mutated gene, called MEIS1, which is linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder.

Researchers have discovered the first mutated gene, called MEIS1, linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder. These results were published in an international study led by Mayo Clinic scientists.

The researchers have said that a large proportion of the millions of people who suffer from the syndrome have this mutated MEIS1 gene.

Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes - An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs.

However, they pointed out that understanding the function of both normal and abnormal genes would shed some insights into this mysterious disorder.

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs at rest, especially in the evening, that are temporarily relieved by movement.

Because restless legs syndrome often interrupts sleep, people commonly are diagnosed after they consult a sleep specialist for assistance.

New Treatment Discovered for Restless Legs Syndrome Improves Sleep
A drug widely used to treat seizures and anxiety appears to be an effective treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) and helps people with the disorder get a better night's sleep.

"We think restless legs syndrome may be due to a number of clinical factors, but we also believe that there is a strong genetic component to the disorder," said the study's lead investigator, Dr. Carles Vilarino-Guell.

He added: "The mutation we found is in a portion of the protein that is identical in species as distinct to human as frogs and fish, which tells us that this portion is very important for the proper function of the protein and that the mutation has a very high chance of causing disease."

Restless Legs Syndrome may Have a Genetic Link
Restless legs syndrome, a neurologic disorder known to cause extreme disomfort in the legs which disturbs sleep, may have a genetic link according to Mayo Clinic researchers.

While common variants (different versions) of MEIS1 and BTBD9, another associated gene, have been found in families with a high incidence of restless legs syndrome, Vilarino-Guell said that it is not clear that those variants are capable of causing disease.

"This mutation, on the other hand, is the first that we think can be a real candidate for causing or promoting restless legs syndrome," he added.

Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy Boost Restless Legs Syndrome Risk
Estradiol levels that occurs during pregnancy is more pronounced in pregnant women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) than in controls.

The researchers did not find any mutations in the BTBD9 gene in study participants, but they found one in the MEIS1 gene that resulted in the production of an aberrant protein.

The family that has the MEIS1 mutation consists of six members-three who had restless legs syndrome had the mutation and the other three without the disease did not.

"The presence of the mutation in all affected individuals supports a pathogenic role for the MEIS1 gene, and we now need to confirm this finding with other international research groups who study restless legs syndrome," said Vilarino-Guell.

The study has been published in the journal Neurology.

Source-ANI
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