American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B (Neuropsychiatric Genetics) 147B:1536–1546 (2008) A Review and Analysis of the Relationship Between Neuropsychological Measures and DAT1 in ADHD

Meta-analyses indicate that the gene coding for the dopamine transporter (DAT1 or SLC6A3) is associated with an increased risk for ADHD. The mechanisms of this gene for ADHD are unclear. We systematically reviewed studies linking the VNTR in the 30 UTR of the DAT1 to neurophysiological and neuropsychological measures. In addition, a broad set of executive/cognitive and motor tests was administered to 350 children (5–11 years) and adolescents (11–19 years) with ADHD and 195 non-affected siblings. Two VNTRs (in intron 8 and the 30 UTR) and four SNPs (two 50 and two 30) in DAT1 were genotyped. The effect of the poly-morphisms on neuropsychological functioning was studied. The review indicated that the major