Scientists identify 20 new genes that ‘influence height’

It seems to be a ‘tall’ story. Scientists claim to have developed a clearer picture of what makes some people stand head and shoulders above others.

It seems to be a ‘tall’ story. Scientists claim to have developed a clearer picture of what makes some people stand head and shoulders above others.

They have identified a further 20 regions of the first common version of a gene, that has been linked to influencing height earlier, which together can make a difference of up to six centimetres.

Using DNA samples taken from over 30,000 people, the international researchers have identified the 20 loci (regions of genetic code) common variations of which actually influence adult height, the Nature Genetics journal reported on Monday. “The number and variety of genetic regions that we have found show that height is not just caused by a few genes operating in the long bones. Instead, our research implicates genes that could shed light on a whole range of important biological processes,” said lead researcher Dr Tim Frayling of the Peninsula Medical School.

Half of the new loci identified by Frayling and his colleagues contain genes whose functions are well documented. While some help regulate basic cell division, which may have implications for cancer research, other genes are implicated in cell-to-cell signalling, an important process in the early development of embryos in the womb.