Project IV: Genomic Analyses

Principal Investigator: Shelley D. Smith

Co-investigator: J.E. Eudy

Goals of Project IV: The goal of this project is to identify specific regions of the genome which contribute to learning disabilities. In collaboration with investigators from Research Projects I, II, and III, linkage and association analyses reveal relations between the various phenotypes and 1) DNA markers and 2) specific gene mutations. By evaluating the contributions of each gene region or gene to specific phenotypes, we can determine the extent to which the phenotypes are genetically distinct, or share genetic influences. The adaptation of the multiple regression analysis of selected twin data for use in linkage/QTL analyses has shown that there is a gene located on Chromosome 6 which influences both phonological and orthographic abilities (Gayan et al., 1999) as well as ADHD (Willcutt et al., in press). Identification of the genes influencing reading disability and ADHD will help delineate the basic functions and neurological mechanisms important in the development of these disorders.