title: [Genetic background of ADHD: genes of the serotonergic system, other candidate genes, endophenotype].
abstract: Recent studies have shown that in the aetiology of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) genetic factors may be of importance. Biochemical and pharmacological studies reveal a connection between abnormalities of dopaminergic, adrenergic and serotonergic system and ADHD. Therefore genes for enzymes synthesizing or degrading proper neurotransmitters, genes for adequate transporters and receptors and genes for other substances, which altered the level of neurotransmitters, are studied. Many authors describe the connection between ADHD development and the synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) gene. This protein plays a role in catecholamine secretion. Its higher expression is specific for neurones. SNAP-25 gene mutation may change this protein level, function of synapse and neurotransmitters storage. Acetylcholine receptor alpha4 subunit gene stimulation increases the dopamine level. Therefore this receptor gene may be important in the aetiology of ADHD studies. Other possible factors in ADHD background are substance influence on brain maturation, including N-methyl-D aspartate glutamate receptor 2A gene polymorphism (GRIN2A) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. One of the greatest challenges in studying the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders is to find appropriate ways to define the relevant endophenotype. ADHD often coexists with other psychiatric disorders, including specific developmental disorders, conduct disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and early onset of bipolar disorder.
authors.affiliation: Klinika Psychiatrii Dzieci i Młodziezy AM w Poznaniu.
authors.forename: Agnieszka
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Słopień
authors.forename: Monika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dmitrzak-Weglarz
authors.forename: Filip
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rybakowski
authors.forename: Andrzej
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rajewski
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hauser
mesh_terms: D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic / Q000378:metabolism; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D011978:Receptors, Nicotinic; D011985:Receptors, Serotonin; D050825:Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25; C494208:SNAP25 protein, human