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Epigenetics: Genetics Versus Life Experiences

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Behavioral Neuroscience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Its Treatment

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences ((CTBN,volume 9))

Abstract

Epigenetics is the field of research that examines alterations in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in DNA sequence. ADHD is highly heritable; however, epigenetics are considered relevant in potentially explaining the variance not accounted for by genetic influence. In this chapter, some of the well-known processes of epigenetics, such as chromosome organization, DNA methylation, and effects of transcriptional factors are reviewed along with studies examining the role of these processes in the pathophysiology of ADHD. Potential epigenetic factors conferring risk for ADHD at various developmental stages, such as alcohol, tobacco, toxins, medications, and psychosocial stressor are discussed. Animal studies investigating ADHD medications and changes in CNS Gene/Protein Expression are also explored since they provide insight into the neuronal pathways involved in ADHD pathophysiology. The current limited data suggest that identification of the epigenetic processes involved in ADHD is extremely important and may lead to potential interventions that may be applied to modify the expression of deleterious, as well as protective, genes.

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Abbreviations

ADHD:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

alpha2A-AR:

α2A-Adrenoceptor

ApT:

Adenine-thymine base pair

CD:

Conduct disorder

CpG:

Cytosine-guanine base pair

CREB:

Cyclic nucleotide response element binding protein

DAT:

Dopamine transporter

DES:

Diethylstilbestrol

DZ:

Dizygotic

GATA-1:

Erythroid transcription factor

GC:

Guanine-cytosine

hERG:

Human Ether-a-go-go

IEG:

Immediate early gene

IMAGE:

International Multicentre ADHD Genetics Project

MAOB:

Monoamine oxidase-B

MPH:

Methylphenidate

MSN-D1′:

Medium sized spiny neurons expressing dopamine D1 receptors

MZ:

Monozygotic

ODD:

Oppositional defiant disorder

VNTR:

Variable number tandem repeat

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  1. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Science Center, 3440 Market St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Josephine Elia, Seth Laracy, Jeremy Allen, Jenelle Nissley-Tsiopinis & Karin Borgmann-Winter

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  1. Josephine Elia
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  2. Seth Laracy
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  3. Jeremy Allen
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  4. Jenelle Nissley-Tsiopinis
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  5. Karin Borgmann-Winter
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Correspondence to Josephine Elia .

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  1. , Dept of Neurosci, Physiol & Pharmacol, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E6BT, United Kingdom

    Clare Stanford

  2. , Human Development & Applied Psychology, The Ontario Institute for Studies in Edu, Bloor Street West 252, Toronto, M5S1V6, Canada

    Rosemary Tannock

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Elia, J., Laracy, S., Allen, J., Nissley-Tsiopinis, J., Borgmann-Winter, K. (2011). Epigenetics: Genetics Versus Life Experiences. In: Stanford, C., Tannock, R. (eds) Behavioral Neuroscience of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Its Treatment. Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, vol 9. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/7854_2011_144

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