|
|
|
A single genetic change to an enzyme that regulates dopamine in the brain could account for the difficulties some children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have staying on task. If confirmed, this finding could lead to a better understanding of the biological causes of this prevalent childhood disorder. ADHD affects 8-12 percent of school-aged children worldwide with symptoms such as chronic problems with attention and hyperactive or impulsive behaviour. Recent research suggests that these children may also exhibit problems with 'executive function' - the higher-level thinking used to complete goals and stay on task.
Online in Neuropsychopharmacology, Ridha Joober and colleagues find that children with ADHD who have a specific genetic variant of the enzyme known as COMT are more likely to stray off task. Neuroscientists have demonstrated that COMT regulates dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain that controls executive function. The researchers speculate that this particular variant of COMT is more active than the standard form of the enzyme, inducing greater clearance of the brain chemical dopamine, which helps maintain focus. Despite this role, the COMT variant did not interfere with the efficacy of methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed treatment for ADHD that increases dopamine levels by blocking its transport primarily in the motor portion of the brain, the striatum. These findings suggest the importance of both the prefrontal cortex and the striatum in coordinating task-oriented behaviour and how their dysregulation may contribute to the pathology of ADHD. Author contact: Ridha Joober (Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
Email: ridha.joober@douglas.mcgill.ca Abstract available online. (C) Neuropsychopharmacology press release.
Message posted by: Trevor M. D'Souza
|
|
Variants Associated with Pediatric Allergic Disorder
Mutations in PHF6 Found in T-Cell Leukemia
Genetic Risk Variant for Urinary Bladder Cancer
Antibody Has Therapeutic Effect on Mice with ALS
Regulating P53 Activity in Cancer Cells
Anti-RNA Therapy Counters Breast Cancer Spread
Mitochondrial DNA Diversity
The Power of RNA Sequencing
‘Pro-Ageing' Therapy for Cancer?
Niche Genetics Influence Leukaemia
Molecular Biology: Clinical Promise for RNA Interference
Chemoprevention Cocktail for Colon Cancer
more news ...
|