The assessment of gene loci confirmed to alter adult height in longitudinal growth in children.

In summary we plan to use genome wide data from 43,000 to 50,000 individuals from at least 12 different studies to identify in the region of 50 new loci that alter adult height. We will not know the exact number of loci until we have followed up ~200 SNPs in 55,000 samples from the HUNT study but our QQ plots and False discovery rate calculations suggest this is a realistic number. These will be in addition to the current 20 loci we have identified and typed in the ALSPAC children recently (results pending).

We propose to genotype, using Kbiosciences, the 50 SNPs representing these loci, in the 10,000+ ALSPAC children. This will enable us to test the hypothesis that common gene variants known to alter adult height alter birth length, and childhood growth at different ages. We will colloborate with Bruna Galobardes who has expertise in using the ALSPAC growth longitudinal data.

Statistics

We will use within study and within sex Z scores and the same genetic model (additive, dominant, recessive) that fits the adult data. We will initially perform cross sectional analysis at each age point from birth to the maximum age available. We will then collaborate with Bruna to model the longitudinal data.

Table of data needed (form does not allow tables!):

Children

Birth - length, weightChildhood, ages 2 months to 15 years, all measures of length/height, sex, puberty data

Mothers

Adult height, age