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The Early Growth Genetics (EGG) and EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortia: design, results and future prospects.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

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Type

Article

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Authors

Middeldorp, Christel M  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6218-0428
Felix, Janine F 
Mahajan, Anubha 
EArly Genetics Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortium 
Early Growth Genetics (EGG) consortium 

Abstract

The impact of many unfavorable childhood traits or diseases, such as low birth weight and mental disorders, is not limited to childhood and adolescence, as they are also associated with poor outcomes in adulthood, such as cardiovascular disease. Insight into the genetic etiology of childhood and adolescent traits and disorders may therefore provide new perspectives, not only on how to improve wellbeing during childhood, but also how to prevent later adverse outcomes. To achieve the sample sizes required for genetic research, the Early Growth Genetics (EGG) and EArly Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology (EAGLE) consortia were established. The majority of the participating cohorts are longitudinal population-based samples, but other cohorts with data on early childhood phenotypes are also involved. Cohorts often have a broad focus and collect(ed) data on various somatic and psychiatric traits as well as environmental factors. Genetic variants have been successfully identified for multiple traits, for example, birth weight, atopic dermatitis, childhood BMI, allergic sensitization, and pubertal growth. Furthermore, the results have shown that genetic factors also partly underlie the association with adult traits. As sample sizes are still increasing, it is expected that future analyses will identify additional variants. This, in combination with the development of innovative statistical methods, will provide detailed insight on the mechanisms underlying the transition from childhood to adult disorders. Both consortia welcome new collaborations. Policies and contact details are available from the corresponding authors of this manuscript and/or the consortium websites.

Description

Keywords

Childhood traits and disorders, Consortium, Genetics, Longitudinal, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Cohort Studies, Disease, Female, Forecasting, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Humans, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Male, Phenotype, Pregnancy, Research Design, United Kingdom

Journal Title

Eur J Epidemiol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0393-2990
1573-7284

Volume Title

34

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Sponsorship
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (U01DK062418)