Genetic Factors Affecting Height Growth from Infancy to Adulthood
Author Information
Author(s): Sovio Ulla, Bennett Amanda J., Millwood Iona Y., Molitor John, O'Reilly Paul F., Timpson Nicholas J., Kaakinen Marika, Laitinen Jaana, Haukka Jari, Pillas Demetris, Tzoulaki Ioanna, Molitor Jassy, Hoggart Clive, Coin Lachlan J. M., Whittaker John, Pouta Anneli, Hartikainen Anna-Liisa, Freimer Nelson B., Widen Elisabeth, Peltonen Leena, Elliott Paul, McCarthy Mark I., Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta
Hypothesis
Different genetic variants are associated with height growth regulation at different stages of life.
Conclusion
The study found that nearly half of the genetic variants associated with adult height had measurable effects on peak height velocity during infancy or puberty.
Supporting Evidence
- Twenty-six of the 48 variants tested associated with adult height.
- Seven SNPs were associated with peak height velocity in infancy.
- Five SNPs were associated with peak height velocity in puberty.
- Suggestive evidence for age-dependent effects was found for some SNPs.
Takeaway
This study looked at how genes affect how tall people grow from when they are babies to adults, finding that many genes play a role at different ages.
Methodology
The study used longitudinal height measurements and genetic data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 to assess associations between genetic variants and height growth parameters.
Limitations
The study's power to detect associations with height velocities was limited, and some associations were not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing.
Participant Demographics
Participants were singletons from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, with frequent height measurements from birth to adulthood.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0030 for age-dependent effects
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.19 to 1.21%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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