Candidate Genes

During the in-home component of the Year 9 wave, we collected saliva from focal children and their biological mothers, which we use to extract genetic information.

The genetic variables available in the Candidate Genes file are the following 14 mother-child sets: 5httlpr, Stin2, Dat1, DRD2, DRD4 VNTR and rs1800955, TMEM, three TPH variables, FTO, BDNF, MC4R, and COMT.

The genetic data available in the file allow researchers to test hypotheses about the relationships among genes, family and community environments, and child development.  For more information, see the Candidate Genes documentation.

Note: Telomere length variables ("TELO"), measured at Year 9 for mother and children and at Year 15 for children, are now publicly available in the Biomarker file. Visit the Public Data Documentation page to learn more.