The gene for synapsin III and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Rohit Makkar1, Lissette Gomez, Karen G Wigg
1Cell and Molecular Biology Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Psychiatric Genetics
|April 7, 2007
Summary
This study found no evidence that the synapsin III gene contributes to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or related memory functions in affected families. Further research is needed to understand ADHD genetics.
Area of Science:
- Neurogenetics
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with suspected genetic underpinnings.
- Proteins involved in neurotransmitter release are implicated in ADHD etiology.
- Synapsin III plays a role in modulating neurotransmitter release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synapsin III gene as a potential susceptibility locus for ADHD.
- To examine the association between synapsin III and cognitive functions, specifically verbal short-term and working memory.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of five markers across the synapsin III gene in 177 nuclear families affected by ADHD.
- Transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) applied to alleles and haplotypes.
- Assessment of verbal short-term and working memory using digit span forward and backward tests.
Main Results:
- No evidence of biased allele or haplotype transmission for synapsin III in ADHD families.
- No significant association found between synapsin III and verbal short-term or working memory performance.
Conclusions:
- The synapsin III locus does not appear to be a major susceptibility locus for ADHD in the studied sample.
- The findings do not support synapsin III's role in the genetic susceptibility to ADHD or related cognitive traits.
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