The Genetics of Human Height

In a recent study, data from the genomes of 253,288 people were analyzed by researchers to determine the number of genetic variants and genome regions relating to height.  The height of an individual is estimated to be 80% genetic.  Environmental factors and nutrition are thought to account for the rest.   Based on results, it was determined that there are nearly 700 genetic variants and more than 400 genome regions relating to height.  It is important to note that over 2 million common genetic variants were scrutinized.  Scientists claim that humans on average have become taller over the past few generations because of environmental factors as well as improved nutrition.

  The image above displays the world's tallest man (8'1'') 

with the world's shortest man (2'5'')

Scientists say they study height for two main reasons.  Dr. Joel Hirschhorn, a geneticist and pediatric endocrinologist at Boston's Children's Hospital stated, "For over 100 years, it has been a great model for studying the genetics of diseases like obesity, diabetes, and asthma which are also caused by the combined influence of many genes acting together.  So by understanding how the genetics of height works, we can understand how the genetics of human disease works."  Researchers believe that many genes identified in the study are probably related to skeletal growth.  Several genes were related to collagen, chondroitin sulfate, and growth plates.  The same team of researchers conducted this study in 2010, but by doubling the sample size this time, they were able to double the number of known gene regions that are associated with height.  Researchers believe that knowing genes and their variants that are important in height may help doctors diagnose individuals in the future who have a single major underlying cause.

As an individual who aspires to enter the medical field, I find it fascinating that understanding the genetics of height gives more understanding to how the genetics of human disease works.  The correlation between the two is nothing short of remarkable.  I also find it interesting that by doubling the sample size, scientists were able to double the number of known genome regions relating to height.  This is a huge step forward in not only understanding the genetics of height, but also for understanding the genetics of human disease.           

Article [1]: http://www.businessinsider.com/r-tall-tale-scientists-unravel-the-genetics-of-human-height-2014-10
Related Articles: http://guardianlv.com/2014/10/genetics-study-of-height/
                          https://time.com/3462490/new-genes-found-that-determine-your-height/