Linkage disequilibrium for schizophrenia at the chromosome 15q13-14 locus of the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene (CHRNA7).

The transmission/disequilibrium test was used for fine mapping of the linkage of schizophrenia to the chromosome 15q13-14 region, the site of a candidate gene, the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene (CHRNA7), in parent-child triads from the NIMH Schizophrenia Genetics Initiative families. This candidate gene was identified from neurobiological studies of deficits in schizophrenics of the inhibitory gating of the P50 auditory evoked potential. The neurobiological deficit was also used as a phenotype for subsequent linkage analysis. In the present study, significant genotype-wise disequilibrium (P < 0.007) was found at D15S165, a polymorphic simple sequence marker physically located within 1 megabase of both CHRNA7 and a partially duplicated, expressed sequence that includes exons 5-10 of CHRNA7. Replication of this result was found in an additional set of families. The results support this region as a chromosomal location involved in the genetic transmission of schizophrenia.

Report from the second international meeting of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Molecular Genetics Network.

Given evidence from twin, family, and adoption studies of genetic influence on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a growing number of researchers have initiated molecular genetics studies to explore the influence of specific genes on this condition. In 1999, these investigators convened to discuss ways of sharing information and facilitating collaborations across research sites. Enthusiastic response to this first conference prompted an even larger group of investigators to come together this year. This recent meeting, held in London, began with a presentation of Hypescheme, an operational criteria checklist developed in an effort to promote the reliable communication of diagnostic and other relevant clinical information related to ADHD. The benefits and limitations of Hypescheme, as well as the continued challenges to collaboration, were discussed. A new ADHD-specific rating scale, developed to be of use in genetic analyses, was also presented. Focus then turned to collaborative projects proposed by investigators and practical suggestions regarding joint data analyses projects. Finally, new data from individual sites were presented. Because the mode of inheritance of ADHD is likely to be complex, efforts to collaborate and cross-validate findings remain an important priority for researchers studying the molecular genetics of this disorder.