Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
13:09
Using Brain Activation nir-HEG/Q-EEG and Execution Measures CPTs in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
10.9K
Dopamine transporter genotype modulates brain activity during a working memory task in children with ADHD
Guillaume Pineau1, Thomas Villemonteix2, Hichem Slama3
1GHU Paris Psychiatrie and Neurosciences (CMME, Hôpital Sainte-Anne), 1 rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France; INSERM U1266 (Team 1, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurosciences of Paris), Paris, France.
Research in Developmental Disabilities
|July 16, 2019
Summary
The dopamine active transporter gene (DAT1) VNTR polymorphism influences brain activity during working memory tasks in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Findings suggest DAT1 genotype modulates neural responses in ADHD, impacting brain regions involved in cognitive function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with the dopamine active transporter gene (DAT1).
- The DAT1 VNTR-3' polymorphism, specifically the 9R allele, is linked to higher DAT expression compared to the 10R allele.
- Understanding the genetic underpinnings of ADHD and their impact on neural function is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of the DAT1 VNTR-3' polymorphism on the neural substrates of working memory (WM) in children with ADHD.
- To compare brain activity during WM tasks between children with ADHD and typically developing children (TDC) based on their DAT1 genotype.
- To explore genotype-by-diagnosis interactions in brain activity related to working memory.
Main Methods:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to assess brain activity during WM tasks.
- Genotyping for the DAT1 VNTR-3' polymorphism was performed on participants.
- A cohort of 36 children with combined-type ADHD and 25 TDC, all treatment-naïve and without comorbidities, were recruited.
Main Results:
- A significant cross-over interaction between DAT1 genotype (9R vs. 10R) and diagnosis (ADHD vs. TDC) was observed in the orbito-frontal gyrus, cerebellum, and inferior temporal lobe.
- In ADHD subjects, 9R carriers showed higher WM-related activity in these areas, while TDC showed lower activity.
- In ADHD children, 10R homozygotes exhibited greater WM-related activity than 9R carriers in a network including the parietal and temporal lobes, ventral visual cortex, orbito-frontal gyrus, and head of the caudate nucleus.
Conclusions:
- The DAT1 VNTR polymorphism significantly modulates WM-related brain activity in children with ADHD.
- Differential neural activation patterns associated with DAT1 genotype suggest a role in ADHD pathophysiology.
- These preliminary findings highlight the potential of genetic factors in influencing cognitive processes within ADHD.
Keywords:
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Caudate nucleusCerebellumDAT1 VNTR polymorphismWorking memoryfMRIMore Related Videos
09:05Assessing Working Memory in Children: The Comprehensive Assessment Battery for Children – Working Memory (CABC-WM)
Published on: June 12, 2017
30.7K
13:08Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
9.3K
Related Concept Videos
01:55Secondary Active Transport
137.4K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme “pump” embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
137.4K
01:32Secondary Active Transport
9.4K
One example of how cells use the energy contained in electrochemical gradients is demonstrated by glucose transport into cells. The ion vital to this process is sodium (Na+), which is typically present in higher concentrations extracellularly than in the cytosol. Such a concentration difference is due, in part, to the action of an enzyme "pump" embedded in the cellular membrane that actively expels Na+ from a cell. Importantly, as this pump contributes to the high concentration of...
9.4K
01:47Primary Active Transport
197.0K
In contrast to passive transport, active transport involves a substance being moved through membranes in a direction against its concentration or electrochemical gradient. There are two types of active transport: primary active transport and secondary active transport. Primary active transport utilizes chemical energy from ATP to drive protein pumps that are embedded in the cell membrane. With energy from ATP, the pumps transport ions against their electrochemical gradients—a direction...
197.0K
01:29Primary Active Transport
13.7K
In contrast to passive transport, active transport involves a substance being moved through membranes in a direction against its concentration or electrochemical gradient. There are two types of active transport: primary active transport and secondary active transport. Primary active transport utilizes chemical energy from ATP to drive protein pumps embedded in the cell membrane. With energy from ATP, the pumps transport ions against their electrochemical gradients—a direction they would...
13.7K
01:14Active Transport
2.0K
Active transport is a critical biological process that allows cells to move solutes against an electrochemical gradient. This process requires direct energy input and is characterized by its selectivity, saturability, and susceptibility to competitive inhibition.
Primary active transporters, like Na+, K+ and -ATPase, directly utilize ATP to move ions across the membrane. These transporters play significant roles in various physiological processes. For instance, Na+, K+ and -ATPase maintain...
Primary active transporters, like Na+, K+ and -ATPase, directly utilize ATP to move ions across the membrane. These transporters play significant roles in various physiological processes. For instance, Na+, K+ and -ATPase maintain...
2.0K
01:26Higher Mental Functions of Brain: Learning and Memory
1.9K
Memory is one of the most vital higher mental functions of the brain. Memory is closely related to learning because it enables us to retain information and experiences from our past to use them in our present life. It also helps us to remember facts, events, and skills, such as riding a bike or swimming. There are two types of memory — declarative memory, which involves memorizing facts or events, and procedural memory, which enables us to remember how to do something like writing or...
1.9K