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Epigenetic Influences of Cigarette Smoke and Nicotine on ADHD Candidate Genes
Start Date 08/01/2006
End Date 07/31/2007
Primary Partner: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Primary Contact: Faraone, Stephen - Professor
Other Project Contacts: Middleton, Frank - Co-Principal Investigator
Project Type: CARTI I
Technical Description:
ADHD is a cognitive and behavioral syndrome characterized by deficient attention and problem-solving, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The need for long-term pharmacologic therapy of affected individuals, along with a limited understanding of ADHD etiology and associated social stigma, has created an enormous financial burden on society. The illness has profound social, emotional, and disciplinary burdens on affected individuals and their families, peer groups, teachers, and employers. Recent advances have begun to yield insights into the potential etiological bases of ADHD, and there is now considerable evidence to support heritable genetic risk factors for ADHD. On the other hand, there is also strong evidence of an association between maternal smoking and ADHD, with a relative risk that equals that of the heritable risk. Thus, the risk of developing ADHD is greatly influenced by environmental variables.
Expected Outcomes:
The present study examines the potential role of one airborne epigenetic factor, maternal cigarette smoking, on the potential long–term regulation of ADHD candidate gene expression through the use of a novel assay developed in the past several months which permits the mapping of the methylated component of the human genome (the “methylome”).
Accomplishments:
Based on preliminary results, we have confirmed our ability to perform methylation assays and identify novel candidates which theoretically could be involved in regulating brain functions relevant to ADHD. Future studies will expand on these analyses and establish potential timecourse and dose-response relationships.
Benefits: The potential ability to help enhance treatment of ADHD through understanding the effects of maternal cigarette smoking on the genes that control ADHD.
For more information: http://www.upstate.edu/genetics/
Publications:
DasBanerjee T, Middleton FA, Ng SP, Zelikoff JT, Faraone SV (2007). Prenatal cigarette smoke alters expression of ADHD candidate genes in the brains of young adult mice. Abstracts from the 11th World Congress on Psychiatric Genetics.
Presentations:
"Gene-environment interactions in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." Presented by F. A. Middleton, NYU School of Medicine (6/08).
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