In a recent study, researchers from the Institute of Human Genetics in Munich, Germany have discovered two new genetic regions called TOX3, which are linked with an increased risk of restless legs syndrome (RLS). Researchers have claimed that people who have specific genetic variations in these genetic regions or other previously identified genes associated with RLS are more likely to develop the RLS as compared to others. The study was published in PLoS Genetics.

To evaluate the impact of these specific genetic variations on RLS, researchers examined the genes associated with restless legs syndrome in 922 people with the RLS and compared them with 1,526 healthy people.

Researchers found that the newly found genes TOX3, is involved in regulating brain activity and participants who had genetic variations in these genes were at a higher risk of RLS. Researchers believe that the new discovery could lead to the development of a potential treatment for the condition.

Restless legs syndrome or RLS is one of the most common neurological disorders, which affects nearly 10% above the age of 65. The condition causes tingling, prickling, and numbness in the legs with an urge to move them and occurs mainly when the body is at rest, usually at night.