Gene DRD4
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Also known as
D4DROverview
DRD4 (dopamine receptor D4) is a gene that codes for the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) protein. Like the DRD2 and DRD3 receptors, the DRD4 receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that plays a role in the regulation of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is involved in many important brain functions such as mood, motivation, and movement. DRD4 is primarily expressed in the brain regions such as the striatum, the prefrontal cortex, and the hippocampus.
Variations in the DRD4 gene, specifically a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) in the 3' untranslated region of the gene, have been associated with a number of conditions, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, and certain personality traits such as novelty seeking. The DRD4 VNTR is also known as the "novelty seeking gene," as some studies have found that individuals with a specific DRD4 VNTR variant (7-repeat allele) tend to score higher on measures of novelty seeking.
Research suggests that DRD4 may play a role in the regulation of impulsivity, attention, and motivation, and that the 7-repeat allele may be associated with increased susceptibility to certain behavioral and emotional disorders such as addiction, ADHD, and schizophrenia.