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DRD4 related to infant attention and information processing: a developmental link to ADHD?
J G Auerbach1, J Benjamin, M Faroy
1Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel. judy@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Psychiatric Genetics
|June 21, 2001
Summary
Infants with the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) seven-repeat allele show less sustained attention, a potential early marker for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Gene interactions also influence attention.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- The dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) exon III polymorphism is linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Deficits in sustained attention and information processing are key features of ADHD, observable from infancy.
- The seven-repeat allele of DRD4 is more frequent in children with ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the DRD4 exon III polymorphism and early attention and information processing in 1-year-old infants.
- To explore potential gene-gene interactions, specifically between DRD4 and the serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) gene, on attention measures.
Main Methods:
- Assessed sustained attention and novelty preference in 1-year-old infants using structured play and an information-processing task.
- Genotyped infants for the DRD4 exon III polymorphism and the 5-HTTLPR gene.
Main Results:
- Infants with the DRD4 seven-repeat allele exhibited reduced sustained attention and novelty preference compared to those without the allele.
- A significant interaction was observed between the DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR genes on a sustained attention measure.
Conclusions:
- Early differences in sustained attention and information processing associated with the DRD4 seven-repeat allele may represent a developmental link to ADHD.
- Behavioral studies should consider the combined influence of multiple genes, such as DRD4 and 5-HTTLPR, on developmental outcomes.