Prioritization of candidate genes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by computational analysis of multiple data sources

Protein Cell. 2012 Jul;3(7):526-34. doi: 10.1007/s13238-012-2931-7. Epub 2012 Jul 10.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly heritable psychiatric disorder characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and increased impulsivity. In recent years, a large number of genetic studies for ADHD have been published and related genetic data has been accumulated dramatically. To provide researchers a comprehensive ADHD genetic resource, we previously developed the first genetic database for ADHD (ADHDgene). The abundant genetic data provides novel candidates for further study. Meanwhile, it also brings new challenge for selecting promising candidate genes for replication and verification research. In this study, we surveyed the computational tools for candidate gene prioritization and selected five tools, which integrate multiple data sources for gene prioritization, to prioritize ADHD candidate genes in ADHDgene. The prioritization analysis resulted in 16 prioritized candidate genes, which are mainly involved in several major neurotransmitter systems or in nervous system development pathways. Among these genes, nervous system development related genes, especially SNAP25, STX1A and the gene-gene interactions related with each of them deserve further investigations. Our results may provide new insight for further verification study and facilitate the exploration of pathogenesis mechanism of ADHD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Databases, Genetic
  • Gene Regulatory Networks
  • Genetic Association Studies*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic
  • Software
  • Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25 / genetics*
  • Syntaxin 1 / genetics*

Substances

  • SNAP25 protein, human
  • STX1A protein, human
  • Synaptosomal-Associated Protein 25
  • Syntaxin 1