Genetic Underpinnings of EEG Patterns in ADHD

描述（由申请人提供）：目的是发展申请人在行为遗传学研究方面的技能，并加强她在ADHD电生理学和发育神经心理学方面的培训。鉴于基因对大脑发育的强烈影响，遗传学和大脑活动测量的整合是一个合乎逻辑的，可能会导致对ADHD病因和神经生理学的理解增加。本研究建议通过调查遗传标记和数量性状之间的关联，如脑功能的电生理测量，神经心理缺陷，以及父母和老师的行为评级，朝着这个方向迈出一步。 具体来说，该项目建议检查遗传变异，以确定ADHD儿童亚型之间的功能和临床差异。该项目的长期目标是了解遗传多态性产生ADHD儿童明显的认知和行为表型的神经机制。 申请人在ADHD儿童神经认知发展和EEG测量方面的临床培训和研究背景为这项工作提供了良好的基础。职业发展计划将培养PI在以下方面的技能：1）收集人类遗传物质的研究设计; 2）用于检查与其他数据来源（即，电生理数据）;和3）遗传关联的解释。职业发展的方法包括：1）拟议的研究; 2）苏珊·斯莫利博士，安德鲁·卢赫特博士和纳尔逊·弗雷默博士的指导; 3）咨询人口，行为和统计遗传学专家; 4）正式课程; 5）参加科学会议; 6）准备提交给专业期刊的数据。 鉴于申请人的先前培训，建议的导师和优秀的资源，K23奖将使她成为ADHD遗传学和发展神经心理学的独立和富有成效的研究人员。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The objective is to develop the applicant's skills in behavioral genetics research and augment her training in the electrophysiology and developmental neuropsychology of ADHD. Given the strong influence that genes have on brain development, the integration of genetics and measures of brain activity is a logical one that may lead to increased understanding of the etiology and neurophysiology of ADHD. This study proposes to take a step in that direction by investigating the association between genetic markers and quantitative traits such as electrophysiological measures of brain function, neuropsychological deficits, and behavior ratings from parents and teachers. Specifically, this project proposes to examine genetic variations that identify functional arid clinical differences among subtypes of children with ADHD. The long-term goal of this project is to understand the neural mechanism through which genetic polymorphisms produce the cognitive and behavioral phenotypes evident among children with ADHD. The applicant's strong background of clinical training and research in neurocognitive development and EEG measurement among children with ADHD provides an excellent foundation for this work. The Career Development Plan will develop the PI's skills in: 1) the design of studies that collect human genetic material; 2) data analytic methods used to examine genetic associations with other sources of data (i.e., electrophysiological data); and 3) Interpretation of genetic associations. Methods of career development include: 1) the proposed study; 2) the mentorship of Drs. Susan Smally, Andrew Leuchter, and Nelson Freimer; 3) consultation with experts in population, behavioral, and statistical genetics; 4) formal coursework; 5) attendance at scientific meetings; and 6) data preparation for submission to professionally refereed journals. Given the applicant's prior training, proposed mentorship, and outstanding resources, a K23 Award will enable her to become an independent and productive researcher in the genetics and developmental neuropsychology of ADHD.