summary: Researchers have found a genetic link between rapid height growth during adolescence and increased health risks in adulthood, including atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer. The study analyzed growth patterns using data from 56,000 people and identified 26 genes that influence growth dynamics during adolescence.
These findings reveal that certain genetic factors associated with adolescent growth can have long-term effects on health, and highlight the importance of personalized medical approaches based on genetic profiles. is emphasized. This study provides important insights into how early childhood development influences risk management for various adult diseases.
Important facts:
- Genetic factors identified: Researchers identified 26 genes associated with the size, timing, and intensity of the adolescent growth spurt.
- Health effects: Being tall and growing rapidly during early adolescence is associated with an increased risk of several adult health problems, including atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer.
- Large-scale analysis: This study used extensive data from individuals from a variety of backgrounds to analyze adolescent growth patterns and their long-term health implications.
sauce: University of Surrey
A new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Pennsylvania has identified a genetic link between height growth during adolescence and long-term health outcomes in adulthood. genome biology.
Researchers found that being taller early in adolescence and rapidly gaining height during this period was associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation later in life.
The research team investigated whether genetics plays a role in adolescent growth patterns and lifelong health outcomes. Growth during this period may be heritable, but the specific genetic factors underlying the growth trajectory remain largely unknown.
To address this knowledge gap, researchers used a growth curve analysis that included height measurements from age 5 to adulthood in 56,000 people of various ancestral backgrounds. Such data have given researchers a comprehensive view of growth patterns across different populations and time periods.
Dr. Zhanna Barkiyarova, co-author of the study and senior postdoctoral fellow at the University of Surrey, said:
“Using big data, we are gaining new insights into the genetic factors that influence adolescent growth and their long-term effects. We are gradually approaching medical care that responds to our needs.”
Researchers identified 26 genes associated with various aspects of adolescent growth, including the size, timing, and intensity of growth spurts. To further investigate the lifelong effects of genetic variation associated with adolescent growth trajectories, researchers used genetic correlates and phenotypic (observed) data based on data from the Penn Medicine Biobank and the UK Biobank. Possible individual characteristics) were also analyzed.
Using this data, the research team discovered for the first time a genetic link between childhood height growth and a wide range of health conditions over the lifespan.
Being taller in early adolescence and growing faster during adolescence were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a condition in which the heart rate is irregular and abnormally fast later in life.
They also found that people who grow faster during adolescence have higher bone density, higher insulin resistance, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and lung cancer.
Dr Anna Ulrich, formerly of the University of Surrey, said: Rather, she emphasizes the complex interplay between genetics and health and emphasizes the importance of an individualized approach to health management. ”
Professor Inga Prokopenko, senior researcher on the study and Professor of e-One Health and Head of Statistical Multi-omics at the University of Surrey, said: “This study aims to help us understand the genetic basis of adolescent growth and its strengths. “This represents a major step forward.” – Affects lifelong health.
“As we unlock the secrets encoded in our DNA, we move closer to a future where tailored interventions based on an individual’s genetic profile will revolutionize healthcare.”
About this genetics and neurodevelopmental research news
author: zhanna barkyalova
sauce: University of Surrey
contact: Zhanna Barkyalova – University of Surrey
image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
“Genome-wide association study across ancestry on shared genetics between longitudinal height growth during adolescence and adult health outcomes” by Jonathan P. Bradfield et al. genome biology
abstract
Genome-wide association study across ancestry on shared genetics between longitudinal height growth during adolescence and adult health outcomes
background
Adolescent growth patterns correlate with future health status. However, the genetic mechanisms mediating growth trajectories remain largely unknown. Here we use superimposition with translation and rotation (SITAR) growth curve analysis to repeatedly measure height from age 5 to adulthood in a sample of approximately 56,000 ancestry to estimate longitudinal height. modeled the growth of
We performed genetic analyzes of six phenotypes representing the size, timing, and intensity of the adolescent growth spurt. To investigate the lifelong effects of genetic variants associated with adolescent growth trajectories, we conducted genetic correlation analyzes and phenom-wide association studies at the Pennsylvania Medicine Biobank and the UK Biobank.
result
Large-scale growth modeling allows an unprecedented perspective on youth growth across contemporary and 20th century pediatric cohorts. We identify 26 important loci across the genome and leverage cross-ancestry data to perform detailed mapping. Our data reveal a genetic relationship between childhood height growth and health across the life course, showing that different growth trajectories are correlated with different outcomes.
For example, faster growth tempo during adolescence is associated with increased bone mineral density, HOMA-IR, fasting insulin, type 2 diabetes, and lung cancer; Tall height throughout life and rapid growth during adolescence are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
conclusion
We report novel genetic associations with growth tempo during adolescence and find that genetic determinants of growth are correlated with reproductive, glycemic, respiratory, and cardiac traits in adulthood. . These results help identify specific growth trajectories that influence lifelong health and demonstrate that there may not be a single “optimal” adolescent growth pattern.
