How is gene expression studied in ADHD?
To understand the biological roots of ADHD, researchers increasingly focus on ADHD gene expression, the process by which genes are turned into proteins that influence brain function, behaviour, and development. Unlike genetic studies that look at fixed DNA sequences, gene expression research reveals which genes are active in people with ADHD and how that activity differs from neurotypical individuals.
This is where transcriptomics, the study of all RNA transcripts in a cell or tissuecomes in.
Tools for studying gene expression in ADHD
These include RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), microarrays, qPCR, and single-cell transcriptomics to capture molecular changes in neural pathways.
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)
This is the gold standard for analysing gene expressions. It provides a snapshot of all RNA molecules in a sample, allowing researchers to see which genes are upregulated (more active) or downregulated (less active) in people with ADHD. RNA can be extracted from blood, saliva, or even post-mortem brain tissue.
Microarrays and qPCR
Older but still valuable tools, these methods can measure the expression of known ADHD-related genes with high sensitivity, often used for validation after sequencing studies.
Single-cell transcriptomics
This cutting-edge method analyses gene expression at the level of individual cells offering insights into how specific neuron types behave differently in ADHD brains.
What these studies reveal
- Altered expression in dopamine, glutamate, and GABA pathways, core neurotransmitter systems involved in attention and impulse control.
- Dysregulation of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, immune response, and circadian rhythm.
- Discovery of novel gene networks and potential therapeutic targets, not evident in traditional genetic studies.
Gene expression studies are helping turn the genetic blueprint of ADHD into a functional map of what is actually happening in the brain.
Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations that consider gene expression and molecular analysis.
For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Genetic studies and biomarkers.
