Genetic Testing

[jul2873]

One of my daughters (both my daughters have RLS) had genetic testing done, and had a HARS marker show up, which apparently shows this: Charcut Marie Tooth Type 2W. My daughter was told this often resulted in skeletal anomolies, such as hammerhead toe (which I also have) and RLS, which I surely have. I also have pain in my feet and hands, and was she told that was also part of this symdrome.

Anyone else hear of this? It's the first hard marker I've found for RLS.

[Rustsmith]

I have not heard of this particular marker. There have been statistical correlation studies that have identified about 20 different genes that appear to have a relationship with RLS, but none of them have any sort of explanation of what they do. The gene with the strongest correlation is MEIS1, which MIGHT have some sort of role in the transport of iron into the brain. But that is no more than an unproven theory at this point.

[jul2873]

Thanks, Steve. Damn! You'd think all this research might lead somewhere!

Mary