Dataset Information

Genetics of early-life head circumference and genetic correlations with neurological, psychiatric and cognitive outcomes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Head circumference is associated with intelligence and tracks from childhood into adulthood.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide association study meta-analysis and follow-up of head circumference in a total of 29,192 participants between 6 and 30 months of age.

Results

Seven loci reached genome-wide significance in the combined discovery and replication analysis of which three loci near ARFGEF2, MYCL1, and TOP1, were novel. We observed positive genetic correlations for early-life head circumference with adult intracranial volume, years of schooling, childhood and adult intelligence, but not with adult psychiatric, neurological, or personality-related phenotypes.