Work

Genetics of pubertal timing

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize advances in the genetics underlying variation in normal pubertal timing, precocious puberty, and delayed puberty, and to discuss mechanisms by which genes may regulate pubertal timing. RECENT FINDINGS: Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of loci that affect pubertal timing in the general population in both sexes and across ethnic groups. Single genes have been implicated in both precocious and delayed puberty. Potential mechanisms for how these genetic loci influence pubertal timing may include effects on the development and function of the GnRH neuronal network and the responsiveness of end-organs. SUMMARY: There has been significant progress in identifying genetic loci that affect normal pubertal timing, and the first single-gene causes of precocious and delayed puberty are being described. How these genes influence pubertal timing remains to be determined.

Source: Current Opinion in Pediatrics

DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000000642

Authors: Jia Zhu, Temitope O. Kusa, Yee-Ming Chan

Institutions: Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard University, Massachusetts General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development