University of Texas

Academic Institute

Peter TanksleyKathryn Paige HardenPhDElliot Tucker-DrobPhDLaurel RaffingtonPhD

B3690

Puberty is a time of sweeping biological and social change. Boys and girls who experience early and/or rapid puberty are at elevated risk for psychiatric and physical health problems, including substance use disorders, suicide, polycystic ovary syndrome (in females), and cardiovascular disease. Psychiatric disorders like major depressive disorder also become much more prevalent at puberty and may impede cognitive skill development . Considering the many negative implications of departures from the normal pubertal development, understanding the genetic and environmental regulators of puberty has become a topic of increasing urgency. Our research aims to identify specific and potentially modifiable environmental factors that influence pubertal timing and examine its association with children’s cognitive development and mental health, and we view genetic and epigenetic data as essential tools for accomplishing that goal.

We believe this research will have impact in at least three ways. First, this research will create a better understanding of how environments, genetics, and epigenetics work together to shape pubertal development. Second, this research will provide a biomarker of pubertal age that will be a useful resource for future research. Third, this research will contribute to a better understand of the mechanisms underlying and modifying adverse experiences around the pubertal transition.

06/01/2021