Can genetic ancestry affect my risk for restless legs syndrome?
Genetic ancestry plays a significant role in your risk for restless legs syndrome (RLS). While some genetic risk factors are shared across all groups, specific genes and variants that increase risk appear only in certain ancestries. A major study analyzed data from African, Latin American, and European populations to map these differences 1.
What the research says
Research shows that the genetic landscape of RLS varies by ancestry. In African populations, certain lead variants found in European groups showed lower frequencies and did not reach statistical significance 1. However, scientists identified new, ancestry-specific risk loci near genes like GYPC/TEX51 and PRIMA1 that are relevant to African ancestry 1. Similarly, a novel association near the ISX gene was found specifically in Latin American ancestry groups 1.
European ancestry groups have been studied the most, with meta-analyses identifying 11 additional loci and replicating 50 previously reported associations 1. A large 2024 analysis of over 1.5 million individuals of European ancestry identified 164 risk loci in total, including three on chromosome X 5. This extensive European data helps establish a baseline, but it does not fully capture the genetic risks present in other populations.
Earlier studies in European populations identified susceptibility loci on chromosomes 2p14 and 16q12.1, confirming that genetic factors are a primary driver of the disease 6. The combination of shared and unique genetic contributors means that ancestry is a key factor in understanding who is at risk.
What to ask your doctor
- How might my genetic ancestry influence my risk for restless legs syndrome?
- Are there specific genetic markers for RLS that are more common in my family background?
- Could my symptoms be linked to ancestry-specific genetic variants that standard tests might miss?
- What screening options are available for RLS if I have a family history of the condition?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Genetics & Precision Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.