Steroid Sulfatase Gene Linked to ADHD
Author Information
Author(s): Brookes KJ, Hawi Z, Park J, Scott S, Gill M, Kent L
Primary Institution: Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews
Hypothesis
The steroid sulfatase (STS) gene is associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and influences brain tissue mRNA expression.
Conclusion
The study found significant associations between specific SNPs in the STS gene and ADHD, along with evidence of altered STS mRNA expression in brain tissue.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified significant associations between 7 of the 12 SNPs genotyped and ADHD.
- An allele specific haplotype was also found to be associated with ADHD.
- Lower STS mRNA expression was linked to the risk allele of rs12861247.
Takeaway
This study looked at a gene that might be linked to ADHD and found that certain changes in that gene are more common in kids with ADHD.
Methodology
The study involved genotyping 450 ADHD probands and their parents for 12 SNPs in the STS gene and analyzing mRNA expression in post-mortem brain tissue.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the sample being predominantly male and from specific geographic locations.
Limitations
The sample size may limit the power to detect small effect sizes, and the use of post-mortem brain tissue may introduce variability in mRNA expression levels.
Participant Demographics
All participants were White, aged 4–16 years, with a predominance of males (90.1%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
0.71–0.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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