TY - JOUR
T1 - Simple sequence repeats
T2 - genetic modulators of brain function and behavior
AU - Fondon, John W.
AU - Hammock, Elizabeth A.D.
AU - Hannan, Anthony J.
AU - King, David G.
PY - 2008/7
Y1 - 2008/7
N2 - Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), sometimes described as genetic 'stutters,' are DNA tracts in which a short base-pair motif is repeated several to many times in tandem (e.g. CAGCAGCAG). These sequences experience frequent mutations that alter the number of repeats. Because SSRs are commonly located in promoters, untranslated regions and even coding sequences, such mutations can directly influence almost any aspect of gene function. Mutational expansion of certain triplet repeats is responsible for several hereditary neurodegenerative disorders, but SSR alleles can also contribute to normal variation in brain and behavioral traits. Here we review studies implicating SSRs not just in disease but also in circadian rhythmicity, sociosexual interaction, aggression, cognition and personality. SSRs can affect neuronal differentiation, brain development and even behavioral evolution.
AB - Simple sequence repeats (SSRs), sometimes described as genetic 'stutters,' are DNA tracts in which a short base-pair motif is repeated several to many times in tandem (e.g. CAGCAGCAG). These sequences experience frequent mutations that alter the number of repeats. Because SSRs are commonly located in promoters, untranslated regions and even coding sequences, such mutations can directly influence almost any aspect of gene function. Mutational expansion of certain triplet repeats is responsible for several hereditary neurodegenerative disorders, but SSR alleles can also contribute to normal variation in brain and behavioral traits. Here we review studies implicating SSRs not just in disease but also in circadian rhythmicity, sociosexual interaction, aggression, cognition and personality. SSRs can affect neuronal differentiation, brain development and even behavioral evolution.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=45849092558&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.tins.2008.03.006
DO - 10.1016/j.tins.2008.03.006
M3 - Review article
C2 - 18550185
AN - SCOPUS:45849092558
VL - 31
SP - 328
EP - 334
JO - Trends in Neurosciences
JF - Trends in Neurosciences
SN - 0166-2236
IS - 7
ER -