Another Genetic Factor in ADHD

Researchers into attention deficit hyperactivity disorder examine the effect of a genetic variant on chromosome 17 in animals and humans.

There are genetic polymorphisms that increase risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) other than those related to dopamine pathways. Expanding upon findings on chromosome 17, investigators examined single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GIT1 gene in humans and animals.

In a genotyping study of 388 children, 192 with ADHD, an intronic SNP on GIT1 was significantly associated with ADHD. The risk allele was associated with lower GIT1 protein expression.

The researchers then developed mice that were homozygous or heterozygous for the Git1 SNP and examined behavior, dopaminergic function, electroencephalographic (EEG) results, synaptic function, and postsynaptic currents in these mice and in wild-type mice. At age 2 months,…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose