Monthly Featured Technologies   View all Monthly Featured Technologies Latrophilin 3, a Gene Involved in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Description of Technology: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder in childhood, and is estimated to affect three to five percent of people in the United States, both children and adults. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavior modification, educational interventions, and medication. There are a variety of medications available for treatment of ADHD; the most frequently prescribed drugs are stimulants or antidepressants. However, currently there is no way to tell in advance which medication will be most helpful for a particular individual. The inventors have identified haplotypes of latrophilin 3 (LPHN3) that increase susceptibility for development of ADHD. LPHN3 is a G-protein coupled receptor that is specifically expressed in the brain’s mesolimbic system, which is associated with ADHD. The invention describes methods of identifying LPHN3 haplotypes in an individual for determining susceptibility for development of ADHD. Identification of LPHN3 haplotypes in an ADHD-affected individual may also make possible individualized drug treatment plans. Applications: Identify individuals with enhanced susceptibility for ADHD Use LPHN3 haplotype information to design individualized treatments Inventors: Maximillian Muenke (NHGRI), Mauricio Arcos-Burgos (NHGRI), F. Xavier Castellanos (NIMH) Patent Status: DHHS Reference No. E-312-2006/0 -- PCT Application No. PCT/US07/79616 filed 27 Sep 2007, which published as WO 2008/045687 on 17 Apr 2008, claiming priority to 11 Oct 2006 Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing. Portfolios: Internal Medicine - Diagnostics Central Nervous System - Diagnostics For additional information, please contact: Charlene A. Sydnor, Ph.D. Office of Technology Transfer National Institutes of Health 6011 Executive Boulevard, Suite 325 Rockville MD 20852 Phone: 301/435-4689 Fax: 301/402-0220 Email: sydnorc@mail.nih.gov