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 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.
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