The genetics of pubertal timing in the general population: recent advances and evidence for sex-specificity.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This article overviews advances in the genetics of puberty based on studies in the general population, describes evidence for sex-specific genetic effects on pubertal timing, and briefly reviews possible mechanisms mediating sexually dimorphic genetic effects.

Recent findings

Pubertal timing is highly polygenic, and many loci are conserved among ethnicities. A number of identified loci underlie both pubertal timing and related traits such as height and BMI. It is increasingly apparent that understanding the factors modulating the onset of puberty is important because the timing of this developmental stage is associated with a wider range of adult health outcomes than previously appreciated. Although most of the genetic effects underlying the timing of puber

SUBMITTER: Cousminer DL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4734379 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature