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Are there shared genetic factors for restless legs across different populations?

high confidence  ·  Last reviewed May 19, 2026

Restless legs syndrome affects people of all backgrounds, but its genetic causes vary by ancestry. A major 2024 study analyzed data from African, Latin American, and European groups to find which genes are common to all and which are unique to specific populations. The findings confirm that while some risk factors are shared, others differ significantly between groups.

What the research says

A large multi-ancestry study found that RLS genetics are not identical across all populations. Researchers identified shared risk loci, such as MEIS1 and BTBD9, but noted that lead variants at these locations had lower frequencies and did not reach statistical significance in people of African ancestry. This indicates that the strength of these genetic links varies by population 1.

The same study also discovered new, ancestry-specific genetic markers. For instance, novel associations were found near GYPC/TEX51 and PRIMA1 in African ancestry groups, while a new association near ISX was identified in Latin American ancestry groups. These findings prove that the genetic architecture of RLS includes both universal contributors and population-specific contributors 1.

Earlier research supports the idea of a genetic origin for RLS, noting that early-onset cases are often familial. While the exact mode of inheritance was unknown in older reviews, modern genetics confirms a hereditary component. Some conditions that overlap with RLS in children, such as growing pains, also show a familial link and share physiological factors like iron deficiency, suggesting a complex genetic and environmental interplay 56.

What to ask your doctor

  • Are there specific genetic markers for RLS in my family's ancestry that I should know about?
  • Does my family history of RLS or growing pains suggest a genetic component to my symptoms?
  • Could my symptoms be related to iron deficiency or other factors that interact with my genetic risk?
  • Are there genetic tests available to help understand the cause of my restless legs syndrome?

This question is drawn from common patient questions about Genetics & Precision Medicine and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.