Cohort profile: Genetic data in the German Socio-Economic Panel Innovation Sample (SOEP-G).

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Social Science
• Population Genomics
• Life Course Research

Background:

• The German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) provides longitudinal data on German households.
• Extending SOEP with genetic data offers a unique resource for population-level genetic research.
• Previous research lacked comprehensive genetic data linked to socio-economic and health outcomes in Germany.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create the first genotyped dataset from a representative German population sample (SOEP-G).
• To develop a repository of 66 polygenic indices (PGIs) for various traits.
• To investigate the interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and life-course outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Collected genetic data from 2,598 participants in the SOEP Innovation Sample (SOEP-IS).
• Constructed a genotyped dataset (SOEP-G) including family structures (sibling, parent-offspring pairs).
• Leveraged genome-wide association study results to compute 66 PGIs.

Main Results:

• PGIs explained significant variance in height (22-24%), BMI (12-13%), and educational attainment (9%).
• Observed increases in height and decreases in BMI over cohorts are not solely genetic or age-related, suggesting environmental impacts.
• Higher PGIs for educational attainment and math class correlate with better self-rated health.

Conclusions:

• The SOEP-G dataset and PGI repository are valuable for studying individual differences, inequalities, and life-course development.
• Findings highlight the complex interactions between genetic predispositions, environment, cognition, behavior, and health.
• This resource facilitates research on gene-environment interactions in a representative German population.