Open AccessA genetic variant within STS previously associated with inattention in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with enhanced cognition in healthy adult males
Author(s) -
Humby Trevor,
Fisher Amelia,
Allen Christopher,
Reynolds Meghann,
Hartman Annette,
Giegling Ina,
Rujescu Dan,
Davies William
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
brain and behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 2162-3279
DOI - 10.1002/brb3.646
Subject(s) - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder , allele , cognition , genotype , psychology , neuropsychology , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , genetics , psychiatry , gene , biology
Abstract Introduction The enzyme steroid sulfatase (STS) converts sulfated steroids to their non‐sulfated forms. Deficiency for this enzyme is associated with inattention but preserved response control. The polymorphism rs17268988 within the X‐linked STS gene is associated with inattentive, but not other, symptoms in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ). Methods We initially tested whether rs17268988 genotype was associated with attention, response control, and underlying aspects of cognition, using questionnaires and neuropsychological tasks, in two independent cohorts of healthy adult males. In an additional analysis based upon existing data, the performance of mice with genetic or pharmacological manipulations of the STS axis under attentionally demanding conditions was investigated. Results G‐allele carriers at rs17268988 exhibited reduced reaction time, enhanced attention, and reduced reaction time variability relative to C‐allele carriers. Mice with genetic or pharmacological manipulations of the STS axis were shown to have perturbed reaction time variability. Discussion Our findings provide additional support for an association between rs17268988 genotype and attention, which may be partially mediated by reaction time variability; they also indicate that, in contrast to the situation in boys with ADHD , in healthy men, the G‐allele at rs17268988 is associated with enhanced cognition. As reaction time variability is a predictor of well‐being, rs17268988 genotype may represent a biomarker for long‐term health.