Exploring the Structural Link Between FOXP2 and ADHD in Human Adults

Abstract

The forkhead box protein P2 (FOXP2) gene, located on chromosome 7, codes for a forkhead/winged‐helix transcription factor which regulates transcript production, typically repressing expression of neutral targets. The Olathe North MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling SMART Team used 3‐D modeling and printing technology to examine the structure‐function relationship between this protein, FOXP2, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in human adults. An assessment of the relationship between the presence of each of 12 FOXP2 tagSNPs and the presence of ADHD in two European samples found 1 tagSNP to be significantly associated with combined ADHD in one sample in both a single‐ and multiple‐marker test. These encouraging results provided the foundation for further exploration of the structural link between FOXP2 and ADHD in adults. Current studies involve observation of a variety of samples and deep‐sequencing of the FOXP2 genomic region with the intent to identify the sequence variants directly involved in the genetic background of ADHD. Future studies may focus on genes regulating and regulated by FOXP2 to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms and functions of the protein.Support or Funding InformationThe Olathe North MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling SMART Team used 3‐D modeling and printing technology to examine the structure‐function relationship between this protein, FOXP2, and ADHD in human adults.Sponsors: Chris Elniff and L.B. FogtMentor: Brendan Mattingly, University of Kansas Edwards