Aarhus University Seal

The genes behind the different human height

GIANT study finds rare, influential genetic changes related to height. Research findings in this area may help to develop new types of drugs.

In a 700,000-plus person study, the international Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) Consortium has uncovered 83 new DNA changes that affect human height. Illustration: Ditte Høyer Engholm

In the largest, deepest search to date, the International Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) Consortiumhas uncovered 83 new DNA changes that affect human height. These changes are uncommon or rare, but they have potent effects, with som of them adjusting height by more than 2 cm. The 700,000-plus-person study also found several genes pointing to previously unknown biological pathways involved in skeletal growth.

Read more.

Findings were published in Nature.


For further information, please contact

Professor Claus Oxvig
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics
Aarhus University, Denmark
co@mbg.au.dk – +45 3036 2460