How quickly and how tall you grow during puberty is genetically linked to long-term health conditions

A genetic link between height growth during puberty and long-term health in adulthood has been identified by a new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers found that being taller early in puberty and growing quickly in height during this period is linked to a higher risk of atrial fibrillation later in life.

The research team investigated if genetics played a role in pubertal growth patterns and lifelong health conditions. Growth during this period can be hereditary, but the specific genetic factors underlying growth trajectories remain largely unknown.

To address this knowledge gap, researchers used a growth curve analysis on 56,000 people from diverse ancestral backgrounds containing their height measurements from five years old into adulthood. Such data gave researchers a comprehensive view of growth patterns across different populations and time periods.

Dr Zhanna Balkhiyarova, co-author of the study, LongITools partner and senior postdoctoral researcher from the University of Surrey, said:

“Our study underscores the importance of large-scale genetic analyses in unravelling the complexities of human health. By using big data, we reveal new insights into the genetic factors that affect growth during puberty and their long-term effects. With each discovery, we inch closer to medicine that addresses the unique needs of every individual.”

Researchers identified 26 genes associated with various aspects of pubertal growth, including the scale, timing, and intensity of the growth spurt. Investigating further the lifelong impact of genetic variants associated with pubertal growth trajectories, researchers also analysed genetic correlation and phenotypes (observable characteristics of an individual) on data from the Penn Medicine Biobank and the UK Biobank.

Using this data, the team found, for the first time, the genetic relationships between paediatric height growth and a wide range of health outcomes across a person’s lifespan.

Being taller at early puberty and experiencing quicker pubertal growth were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular and abnormally fast heart rate later in life.

They also found that individuals with a faster tempo of pubertal height growth have high levels of bone mineral density, higher levels of insulin resistance, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and lung cancer.

Dr Anna Ulrich, formerly of the University of Surrey, said:

“Our findings challenge the notion of a one-size-fits-all optimal growth pattern. Instead, they underscore the complex interplay between genetics and health, highlighting the importance of personalised approaches to health management.”

Professor Inga Prokopenko, Senior researcher of the study, LongITools PI and Professor of e-One Health and Head of Statistical Multi-Omics at the University of Surrey, commented:

“This study represents a major step forward in understanding the genetic basis of pubertal growth and its far-reaching implications for lifelong health. As we unlock the secrets encoded in our DNA, we move closer to a future where tailored interventions based on individual genetic profiles revolutionise healthcare.”

This study was published in the journal Genome Biology.

Notes to editors

Dr Zhanna Balkhiyarova, Professor Inga Prokopenko and Dr Anna Ulrich are available for interview on request. For more information, please contact mediarelations@surrey.ac.uk

Paper

Bradfield, J.P., Kember, R.L., Ulrich, A. et al. Trans-ancestral genome-wide association study of longitudinal pubertal height growth and shared heritability with adult health outcomes. Genome Biol 25, 22 (2024).