Scientists ‘reach new heights’

A genetic link to height has been found for the first time by scientists, shedding light on how variations in our DNA affect our growth and development.

Although it is clear tall parents can produce tall offspring, the biological process behind this had previously remained unclear.

Scientists taking part in the largest-ever study into genetics underlying common diseases found that common variants in the gene HMGA2 directly influence height.

They studied DNA samples from 5,000 people, which showed that as many as a quarter of Europeans carry two ‘tall’ versions of this gene, making them about 1cm taller than people with two ‘small’ versions of the genes.

It is unknown at present what role HMGA2 plays, but the researchers propose it most likely increases cell production.

The findings are could have implications for the development of cancer as tumours occur due to unregulated cell growth. Earlier studies have suggested a link between height and certain cancers.

Lead researcher Dr Tim Frayling from the Peninsula Medical School said the latest research could help scientists understand how common variations in DNA effect human development.

“Even though improved nutrition means that each generation is getting successively taller, variation in height within a population is almost entirely influenced by our genes,” he said.

“This fact, coupled with the ease of measuring height, means that height can act as a model trait, allowing us to explore in detail the influence that the genome actually has on our general make-up, not just disease risk.”

The researchers believe there could be “several hundred” gene traits which affect people’s height.