Genome-Wide Polygenic Scores Predict Reading Performance Throughout the School Years

TitleGenome-Wide Polygenic Scores Predict Reading Performance Throughout the School Years
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsSelzam, S, Dale, PS, Wagner, RK, DeFries, JC, Cederlöf, M, O’Reilly, PF, Krapohl, E, Plomin, R
JournalScientific Studies of Reading
Volume21
Issue4
Pagination334 - 349
Date Published2017/07/04
ISBN Number1088-84381532-799X
Abstract

It is now possible to create individual-specific genetic scores, called genome-wide polygenic scores (GPS). We used a GPS for years of education (EduYears) to predict reading performance assessed at UK National Curriculum Key Stages 1 (age 7), 2 (age 12) and 3 (age 14) and on reading tests administered at ages 7 and 12 in a UK sample of 5,825 unrelated individuals. EduYears GPS accounts for up to 5% of the variance in reading performance at age 14. GPS predictions remained significant after accounting for general cognitive ability and family socioeconomic status. Reading performance of children in the lowest and highest 12.5% of the EduYears GPS distribution differed by a mean growth in reading ability of approximately two school years. It seems certain that polygenic scores will be used to predict strengths and weaknesses in education.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5490720/
Short TitleSci Stud Read