Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Molecular and behavioral analysis of the intron 2 repeat polymorphism in the canine dopamine D4 receptor gene.
Hejjas, K; Kubinyi, E; Ronai, Z; Szekely, A; Vas, J; Miklósi, A; Sasvari-Szekely, M; Kereszturi, E.
Afiliação
  • Hejjas K; Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Genes Brain Behav ; 8(3): 330-6, 2009 Apr.
Article em En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19382953
ABSTRACT
Genetic polymorphisms in the human dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene, especially the exon 3 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), have been related to several psychiatric disorders and personality traits. A homologous exon 3 VNTR has been described in dogs, and we previously showed an association between the DRD4 exon 3 polymorphism and activity/impulsivity trait in German shepherds. In this study, we present a detailed analysis of the intron 2 VNTR of the DRD4 gene. A short and a long form of the intronic variation were identified in 678 unrelated dogs from five breeds and in 22 wolves. For molecular analysis, the intron 2 region was cloned into a promoterless luciferase reporter vector that led to an elevation in transcriptional activity. Moreover, an allelic difference in promoter activity was detected, and a repressive effect of the long allele was observed. Behavioral analysis of 96 unrelated German shepherds showed a significant association between the social impulsivity endophenotype of the Greeting Test and both the exonic (P = 0.002) and the intronic (P = 0.003) VNTRs of the DRD4 gene. Moreover, an additive effect of the two polymorphisms was also shown (Spearman's rho = 0.356, P = 0.0004). In conclusion, these results give further support to our previous findings that the DRD4 gene is associated with dog behavior. We also present molecular evidence for the functional role of the intron 2 VNTR in the canine DRD4 gene.
Assuntos

Texto completo: 1 Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Polimorfismo Genético / Íntrons / Dopamina / Cães / Receptores de Dopamina D4 Idioma: En Ano de publicação: 2009 Tipo de documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Polimorfismo Genético / Íntrons / Dopamina / Cães / Receptores de Dopamina D4 Idioma: En Ano de publicação: 2009 Tipo de documento: Article