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The norepinephrine transporter gene and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Cathy L Barr1, Jamie Kroft, Yu Feng
1Department of Psychiatry and Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. cbarr@uhnres.utoronto.ca
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|March 29, 2002
Summary
This study investigated the norepinephrine transporter gene (NET1) as a potential cause for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Genetic analysis of ADHD families found no significant evidence linking NET1 variations to the disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The adrenergic system is implicated in attention and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- The norepinephrine transporter (NET1) gene is a candidate for ADHD due to tomoxetine's efficacy.
- Previous research suggests a link between the adrenergic system and ADHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the norepinephrine transporter (NET1) gene as a susceptibility factor for ADHD.
- To analyze specific polymorphisms within the NET1 gene for association with ADHD.
- To screen for known NET1 amino acid variants in ADHD patients.
Main Methods:
- Examined three NET1 polymorphisms (exon 9, intron 9, intron 13) in 122 ADHD families using the transmission disequilibrium test.
- Screened ADHD probands for five known NET1 amino acid variants.
- Compared variant frequencies to previously reported control samples.
Main Results:
- The transmission disequilibrium test showed no significant biased transmission of NET1 alleles or haplotypes.
- Only one amino acid variant (Thr99Ile) was observed, with a frequency similar to controls.
- The Thr99Ile variant frequency in the ADHD sample was 1.8%, compared to 2.2% in controls.
Conclusions:
- The NET1 gene is not supported as a major genetic susceptibility factor for ADHD in this study.
- Specific polymorphisms and common amino acid variants of NET1 do not appear to significantly contribute to ADHD.
- Further research may be needed to explore other genetic factors in ADHD etiology.