Biology subjects

Tropf, F. C.

Publications and source records attributed to Tropf, F. C..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2023

Genome-wide association study of occupational status and prestige identifies 106 genetic variants and defines their role for intergenerational status transmission and the life course

Socioeconomic status (SES) impacts health and the life course. This GWAS on sociologically informed occupational status measures (ISEI, SIOPS, and CAMSIS) using the UKBiobank (N=273,157) identified 106 genetic variants of which 8 are novel to the study of SES. Genetic correlation analyses point to a common genetic factor for SES. Within-family prediction and its reduction was attributable in equal parts to genetic nurture and assortative mating. Using polygenic scores from population predictions of 5-8%, we, firstly, showed that cognitive and non-cognitive traits - including scholastic and occupational motivation and aspiration - link genetic scores to occupational status. Second, 62% of the intergenerational transmission of occupational status can be ascribed to non-genetic inheritance (e.g., family environment). Third, the link between genetics, occupation, and health are interrelated with parental occupational status confounding the genetic prediction of general health. Finally, across careers, genetic prediction compresses during mid-career with divergence in status at later stages.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2020

Identification of 370 loci for age at onset of sexual and reproductive behaviour, highlighting common aetiology with reproductive biology, externalizing behaviour and longevity

Age at first sexual intercourse (AFS) and age at first birth (AFB) have implications for health and evolutionary fitness. In the largest genome-wide association study to date (AFS, N=387,338; AFB, N=542,901), we identify 370 independent signals, 11 sex-specific, with a 5-6% polygenic score (PGS) prediction. Heritability of AFB shifted from 9% [CI=4-14] for women born in 1940 to 22% [CI=19-25] in 1965. Signals are driven by the genetics of reproductive biology and externalising behaviour, with key genes related to follicle stimulating hormone (FSHB), implantation (ESR1), infertility, and spermatid differentiation. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome leads to later AFB, linking with infertility. Late AFB is protective against later-life disease and associated with parental longevity. Higher childhood socioeconomic circumstances and those in the highest PGS decile (90%+) experience markedly later reproductive onset. Results are relevant for improving teenage and late-life health, for understanding longevity, and guiding experimentation into mechanisms of infertility.

genetics↗