Implication of the APP Gene in Intellectual Abilities

Craig Myruma,1, Oleksii Nikolaienkoa,1, Clive R. Bramhama, Jan Haavika,b and Tetyana Zayatsa,∗                   

aK.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen,Norway bDepartment of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway

Abstract

Background: Cognitive functions are highly heritable and polygenic, though the source of this genetic influence is unclear. On the neurobiological level, these functions rely on effective neuroplasticity, in which the activity-regulated cytoskeleton associated protein (ARC) plays an essential role.

Objectives: To examine whether the ARC gene complex may contribute to the genetic components of intellectual function given the crucial role of ARC in brain plasticity and memory formation.

Methods: The ARC complex was tested for association with intelligence (IQ) in children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 5,165). As Alzheimer’s disease (AD) shares genetics with cognitive functioning, the association was followed up in an AD sample (17,008 cases, 37,154 controls).

Results: The ARC complex revealed association with verbal and total IQ (empirical p = 0.027 and 0.041, respectively) in the ALSPAC. The strongest single variant signal (rs2830077; empirical p = 0.018), within the APP gene, was confirmed in the AD sample (p = 2.76E-03). Functional analyses of this variant showed its preferential binding to the transcription factor CP2.

Discussion: This study implicates APP in childhood IQ. While follow-up studies are needed, this observation could help elucidate the etiology of disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction, such as AD.

Read the article in IOSPress: Journal of Alzheimer`s Diseas

This article is also featured in Medical News Today.

brain-connections

Stimulus-evoked ERK-dependent phosphorylation of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) regulates its neuronal subcellular localization.

oleksiiart2017

Highlights

  • ERK binds a non-canonical docking motif in the Arc C-terminal domain.
  • In vitro kinase assays identify five ERK phosphorylation sites on Arc.
  • Stimulus-evoked phosphorylation occurs on Ser206 in the central hinge region of Arc.
  • Phosphorylation regulates Arc subcellular localization in hippocampal neurons.
  • Endogenous Arc is Ser206 phosphorylated during LTP in live rats.

Development of Performance and ERPs in a Flanker Task in Children and Adolescents with Tourette Syndrome—A Follow-Up Study

 

Background: Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with childhood-onset, with a typical decline in tic severity, as well as an increasing ability to suppress tics in late childhood and adolescence. These processes develop in parallel with general improvement of self-regulatory abilities, and performance monitoring during this age-span. Hence, changes in performance monitoring over time might provide insight into the regulation of tics in children and adolescents with TS.

Method: We measured reaction time, reaction time variability, accuracy, and event-related potentials (ERP) in 17 children with TS, including 10 children with comorbid Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), 24 children with ADHD, and 29 typically developing children, using a modified Eriksen Flanker task in two testing sessions administered on average 4.5 years apart. We then compared task performance, as well as ERP components across groups, and over time using regression models.

Results: Task performance improved in all groups with age, and behavioral differences between children with TS and controls diminished at second assessment, while differences between controls and children with ADHD largely persisted. In terms of ERP, the early P3 developed earlier in children with TS compared with controls at the first assessment, but trajectories converged with maturation. ERP component amplitudes correlated with worst-ever tic scores.

Conclusions: Merging trajectories between children with TS and controls are consistent with the development of compensatory self-regulation mechanisms during early adolescence, probably facilitating tic suppression, in contrast to children with ADHD. Correlations between ERP amplitudes and tic scores also support this notion.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of insomnia in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

erlend_artikkel

Abstract

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of insomnia in adults with Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its association with clinical subtypes, current ADHD symptoms, and stimulant treatment.

Method

We obtained diagnostic information, symptom rating scales and treatment history from clinically ascertained adult ADHD patients diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria (n = 268, mean age 38.1 years) and randomly selected population controls (n = 202, mean age 36.5 years). The Bergen Insomnia Scale (BIS) was used to measure insomnia. ADHD symptom domains were self-rated using the Adult ADHD Self-Rating Scale.

Results

Insomnia was far more frequent among adults with ADHD (66.8%) than in the population controls (28.8%) (P < 0.001). Insomnia was more common in adults with the combined subtype than in those with the inattentive subtype (79.7% and 55.6%, respectively) (P = 0.003). For self-reported current ADHD symptoms, inattention was strongly correlated to insomnia. Patients currently using stimulant treatment for ADHD reported a lower total insomnia score compared to patients without medication (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Insomnia was highly prevalent among adults with ADHD. The lower insomnia score in patients on current stimulant treatment suggests that stimulant treatment is not associated with worsening of insomnia symptoms in adult ADHD patients.

ADHD in The New York Times

Patient Voices: A.D.H.D.

About 6.4 million children in the United States have been given diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (A.D.H.D.). But the condition — characterized by impulsiveness and difficulty sitting still and paying attention — is also being recognized more in adults. The challenges faced by those with A.D.H.D. are daunting and deeply personal. Here, in their own words, are the stories of adults and children coping with A.D.H.D. Read more..

Reisebrev fra CoCA-møte i Barcelona

Fra 19. til 21. mars var tre av KG Jebsen-senterets medlemmer på et møte i Barcelona for å diskutere fremgangen i et EU-prosjekt vi er partnere i. EU-prosjektet heter «Comorbid Conditions in ADHD» (CoCA) og inkluderer 17 forskningsgrupper/partnere fra ni land. CoCAs overordnede mål er å bedre kartlegge, forstå og behandle andre sykdommer og lidelser som opptrer samtidig med ADHD, for eksempel depresjon, angst og søvnforstyrrelser. Mer spesifikt er det flere delprosjekt, blant annet en klinisk studie på behandling av depresjon og overvekt hos ADHD-pasienter ved hjelp av lysterapi og fysisk aktivitet, genetiske studier for å undersøke felles underliggende genetikk mellom forskjellige lidelser, hjerneavbildningsstudier også videre. Vårt senter bidrar hovedsakelig først og fremst med epidemiologisk forskning og genetisk forskning; i tillegg til at vi leder et prosjekt hvor vi forsøker å finne nye medisiner for behandling av ADHD og beslektede lidelser.

Kort fortalt skjedde det mye spennende i alle delprosjektene og fremgangen kan sies å være god. Videre er det også hyggelig å møte folk man samarbeider med ansikt-til-ansikt, samtidig som at alle diskusjoner blir mye mer effektive. Problemstillinger som tar to uker å avklare på email og Skype, blir avgjort på fem minutter. Vi fikk derfor lagt en god del konkrete planer for de neste månedene. Dessverre var det veldig travelt alle dagene så det ble begrensede muligheter for sightseeing…

Pressemelding fra 2016 ved oppstart av CoCA-samarbeidet
http://www.ru.nl/donders/agenda-news/vm-news/6-mio-euro-coca-research-adhd/

Blogginlegg om studien på lysterapi og aktivitetsterapi ved ADHD
https://mind-the-gap.live/2017/02/18/coca-proud-trial-ready-to-roll/

 

cocabarcelona20mars2017

Tor-Arne Hegvik, PhD student

Top 10 RNA-Seq Publications of All Time

colourbox16147966rna

«RNA-Seq is the most likely NGS technique to be used by researchers in 2017 due to its versatility»

 

 

 

RNA-seq has become a ubiquitous tool in both biological and medical research. Much of the RNA-seq analysis done is still for differential gene expression from poly-adenylated mRNAs; but the success of RNA-seq can also be seen in the rapid increase in knowledge about biological systems and the large number of distinct variants of the method.  The combination of these factors allow us to go much further than the ‘simple’ 3’ gene expression microarrays and now opens up the possiblities of: splicing analysis, differential allele expression, variant detection, alternative start/stop, gene fusion detection, RNA editing and eQTL mapping to name but a few…

Fortsett å lese Top 10 RNA-Seq Publications of All Time

Stor MR-studie viser strukturelle endringer i hjernen hos barn med ADHD

amygdala
MR-bilde av hjerne med amygdala vist i rødt.

Flere forskere fra KGJebsen-senteret har bidratt til den største studien av hjernestrukturer ved ADHD som noensinne er gjennomført. Totalt 135 pasienter og kontrollpersoner fra Bergen har inngått i studien, som nylig ble publisert i tidsskriftet Lancet Psychiatry. (Hoogman et al. Lancet Psychiatry. 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 2821962).

Studien har vakt stor interesse og har allerede vært omtalt i nyhetsmedier over hele verden.

Her er et utvalg av presseomtalene.

CBS http://www.cbsnews.com/news/mri-scans-reveal-brain-differences-in-kids-with-adhd/

Time http://time.com/4671981/adhd-hyperactivity-disorder/

Fox http://radio.foxnews.com/2017/02/16/study-links-adhd-to-neurological-disorder-not-behavioral-issues/

Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/02/15/attention-deficithyperactivity-is-a-brain-disorder-scientists-confirm/

CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/15/health/adhd-brain-scans-study/

Voice of America: http://www.voanews.com/a/some-brain-areas-kids-adhd-undersized/3726756.html

ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/kids-adhd-smaller-brain-regions-normal-45521384 (using Associated Press copy)

The Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/02/15/adhd-brain-disorder-not-label-poor-parenting-say-scientists/

TIME magazine: http://time.com/4670266/adhd-children-brains-study-normal/

CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/adhd-brain-structures-1.3983919

NDTV: http://food.ndtv.com/health/adhd-not-bad-behavior-but-physical-illness-1660126

Yahoo News: https://www.yahoo.com/news/adhd-brain-disorder-not-just-bad-behaviour-study-233957957.html (using AFP copy)

Japan Times: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/02/16/world/science-health-world/kids-adhd-smaller-brain-regions-normal/#.WKWbNjuLS70

New Zealand Herald: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11802197

ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour: study
DAILY NATION – KENYA, 2017-02-16T07:11:14+01:00
People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a physical disorder and not just bad behaviour. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP  In Summary The regions a…

 

ADHD A ‘Brain Disorder’, Not Just Bad Behaviour: Study
NDTV, 2017-02-16T07:51:09+01:00
ADHD A ‘Brain Disorder’, Not Just Bad Behaviour: Study Health | Agence France-Presse | Updated: February 16, 2017 11:38 IST EMAIL PRINT COMMENTS Drugs for treating ADHD have been blamed for side effects like liver damage and suicidal thoughts…
Brains of Those With ADHD Show Smaller Structures Related to Emotion, New Research Shows
KTLA 5 TV, 2017-02-16T07:58:14+01:00
People diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have smaller brain volume than those without the disorder, according to a study published Wednesday in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry. The differences in brain volume were iden…
ADHD is an actual brain disorder and not problematic children
DECCAN CHRONICLE-LATEST INDIA NEWS, 2017-02-16T07:58:49+01:00
ADHD is an actual brain disorder and not problematic children AFP Published Feb 16, 2017, 11:40 am IST Updated Feb 16, 2017, 12:12 pm IST People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition  The children with ADHD have…
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour, study claims
MALAY MAIL ONLINE – MALAYSIA, 2017-02-16T05:58:22+01:00
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour, study claims Thursday February 16, 2017 11:48 AM GMT+8                ADHD is blamed for severe and repeated bouts of inattention, hyperact…
The regions affected included the amygdala, which is involved in the regul…
THE ASIAN AGE, 2017-02-16T06:55:00+01:00
 The regions affected included the amygdala, which is involved in the regulation of emotion. Paris : People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a ph…
Brains of those with ADHD show smaller structures related to emotion
CNN Wire, February 15, 2017 Wednesday 11:47 PM GMT
(CNN) — People diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have smaller brain volume than those without the disorder, according to a study published Wednesday in the medical journal The Lancet Psychiatry. The differences in brain volu…
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour: study
Agence France Presse — English, February 15, 2017 Wednesday 11:30 PM GMT
People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a physical disorder and not just bad behaviour.
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour: study
THE BUSINESS TIMES, 2017-02-16T05:15:59+01:00
People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a physical disorder and not just bad behaviour. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO [PARIS] People with ADHD have…
Verschil in hersenen gevonden bij kinderen met adhd
NRC HANDELSBLAD, 2017-02-16T03:59:12+01:00
Verschil in hersenen gevonden bij kinderen met adhd Psychiatrie De hersenbouw van kinderen met adhd en autisme wijkt af. Maar het is lastig om met hersenscans een diagnose te stellen. 15 februari 2017 om 20:55 Foto ROOS KOOLE/ANP XTRA Kinderen met de…
En stor studie bekräftar nu att personer med adhd har förändringar i hjärnan. Ad…
Svenska Dagbladet, 2017-02-16T02:36:27+01:00
En stor studie bekräftar nu att personer med adhd har förändringar i hjärnan. Adhd är alltså inte bara en «etikett» som sätts på besvärliga barn eller dåligt föräldraskap. «I stället för att stötta oss så skällde de på oss&
Brains of those with ADHD show smaller structures related to emotion By Susan Sc…
Cable News Network – USA, 2017-02-16T03:04:36+01:00
Brains of those with ADHD show smaller structures related to emotion By Susan Scutti, CNN Updated 2347 GMT (0747 HKT) February 15, 2017 Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what’s happening in the world as it unfolds. Replay More Videos ….
Brains of those with ADHD show smaller structures related to emotion
NEWS RADIO 1067, 2017-02-16T03:00:55+01:00
Brains of those with ADHD show smaller structures related to emotion (CNN) – People diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have smaller brain volume than those without the disorder, according to a study published Wednesday in t…
Studie bekräftar hjärnförändringar vid adhd En stor studie bekräftar nu att pers…
SYDSVENSKA DAGBLADET, 2017-02-16T03:03:46+01:00
Studie bekräftar hjärnförändringar vid adhd En stor studie bekräftar nu att personer med adhd har förändringar i hjärnan. Adhd är alltså inte bara en «etikett» som sätts på besvärliga barn eller dåligt föräldraskap. «I stället för at
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behavior — study
PHILIPPINES DAILY INQUIRER – PHILIPPINES, 2017-02-16T03:20:52+01:00
PARIS, France — People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a physical disorder and not just bad behavior. The largest analysis to date of the brain…
ADHD a ‘brain disorder’, not just bad behaviour: study
MIDDLE EAST NORTH AFRICA FINANCIAL NEWS, 2017-02-16T03:30:02+01:00
(MENAFN – AFP) People with ADHD have slightly smaller brains than those without the condition, according to a study released Thursday which insisted it is a physical disorder and not just bad behaviour. The largest analysis to date of the brains of p…
Verschil in hersenen gevonden bij kinderen met adhd
NRC.NEXT, 16 February 2017
Kinderen met de diagnose adhd hebben gemiddeld genomen een kleinere amandelvormige kern (amygdala) in hun hersenen dan leeftijdgenoten zonder diagnose. Dat blijkt uit een vergelijkend onderzoek van MRI-hersenscans van 1.713 mensen met adhd en 1.529…
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Trouw, 16 februari 2017 donderdag
Mensen met ADHD (voluit: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) hebben kleinere hersenen, waarmee het volgens een internationaal onderzoeksteam toch echt een breinziekte lijkt. Om precies te zijn vallen vijf regio’s in de bovenkamer iets kleiner…

 

Ernæring og ADHD

Det er en klar sammenheng mellom kosthold, helse og adferd. Alvorlig feilernæring og vitaminmangel kan gi nevrologiske og psykiatriske symptomer. Det har også vært antatt at kostholdsfaktorer spiller en rolle ved vanlige psykiatriske lidelser, inkludert ADHD. Det er begrenset kunnskap om sammenhengen mellom kostholdsfaktorer, vitaminstatus og ADHD symptomer, men noen studier har vist at kostholdsendringer og tilførsel av vitaminer kan gi reduksjon av ADHD symptomer, både hos barn og voksne. Elisabeth Landaas og medarbeidere ved KGJN publiserte nylig en studie i British Journal of Psychiatry Open, der de studerte blodnivået av vitaminer hos 133 voksne ADHD-pasienter, sammenlignet med 131 friske kontrollpersoner. Det viste seg  at sammenlignet med friske kontrollpersoner, var personene med ADHD overrepresentert i gruppen med lave nivåer av vitaminene B2, B6 og B9. Det er uklart om de lave vitaminnivåene kan direkte relateres til ADHD-symptomer, men det er sannsynlig at de skyldes kostholdsfaktorer som er forskjellig hos en undergruppe av ADHD-pasienter og kontrollpersonene. Kostholdsvaner etableres tidlig og uheldige matvaner fra barndommen kan vare til voksen alder. Det er mulig at dette kan utløse, forverre eller vedlikeholde ADHD-symptomer. Her kan dere lese mer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153567/

 

EAT word cloud, fitness, sport, health concept

Stort nytt EU-prosjekt innvilget

Betydningen av ernæring ved psykiatriske lidelser vil undersøkes nærmere i det omfattende nye samarbeidsprosjektet Eat2BNICE  (E2BN), som nylig ble innvilget 12 millioner Euro i støtte.

Dette er det største og mest omfattende EU-prosjektet med deltagelse fra Det medisinsk odontologiske fakultet i Bergen. Fra KGJN er Jan Haavik og Stefan Johansson partnere i dette prosjektet, som er det  4. store EU-prosjektet der KGJN deltar som partnere. Mer informasjon om prosjektet kommer senere.»