The VNTR polymorphism in the human dopamine transporter gene: improved detection and absence of association of VNTR alleles with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Abstract

The human dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene contains a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in its 3'-untranslated region because of repetition of a 40-bp core sequence. Methods available for the diagnosis of this polymorphism are limited in number. We have developed a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which is similar to that described originally by Vandenbergh's group, but provides a better detection of the VNTR alleles in the human DAT1 gene. Using two independent PCR methods, we have determined the distribution of VNTR alleles in 110 healthy Omani subjects, and in 92 children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The frequency of the risk allele (DAT1*10) was similar in the healthy subjects and ADHD cases, indicating absence of association of this allele with ADHD in Oman.

• Authors: Mehmet Simsek, Marwan Al-Sharbati, Samir Al-Adawi, Kholuud Lawatia
• Journal: Genetic testing (Genet Test) Vol. 10 Issue 1 Pg. 31-4 ( 2006) ISSN: 1090-6576 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16545000 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• 3' Untranslated Regions
• Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• SLC6A3 protein, human

Topics

• 3' Untranslated Regions (genetics)
• Adult
• Alleles
• Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (genetics)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins (genetics)
• Female
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Humans
• Male
• Minisatellite Repeats (genetics)
• Oman
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (methods)
• Polymorphism, Genetic
• Risk Factors