Factors affecting human height growth
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Genetic Factors Influencing Human Height Growth
Human height is strongly influenced by genetics, with studies showing that up to 90% of height variation within a population is determined by inherited factors68. Hundreds of genetic variants, both common and rare, have been identified that affect height, including those in genes like IHH, STC2, AR, and CRISPLD2, which can have moderate to large effects on stature. Some genetic variants have sex-specific effects and influence growth at different stages, such as those near the LIN28B gene, which affect both the timing of puberty and final adult height. Additionally, parent-of-origin effects, where the impact of a gene depends on whether it is inherited from the mother or father, have been observed in regions like IGF2-H19 and DLK1-MEG3, further complicating the genetic regulation of height. Twin studies confirm that genetic factors play a dominant role in height after early childhood, with heritability estimates for height ranging from 58% to 97% as children grow older710.
Hormonal and Biological Pathways in Height Regulation
While the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis is important for childhood growth, recent research shows that many other hormones, paracrine factors, and proteins also regulate the growth plate—the area of bones responsible for height gain. Mutations in genes that affect the growth plate can lead to short or tall stature, and many height-associated genetic variants are found outside the GH–IGF-1 pathway. Biological pathways such as hedgehog signaling, microRNA regulation, and chromatin structure have also been linked to height variation68.
Environmental and Nutritional Factors Affecting Height
Although genetics play a major role, environmental factors are also significant, especially in early life and in less affluent societies19. Nutrition is one of the most important non-genetic factors; poor nutrition during childhood can limit growth and reduce adult height19. Diseases and overall childhood health also impact height, with adverse conditions leading to shorter stature19. Improvements in living standards and nutrition over the 20th century have led to increases in average height in many populations, highlighting the importance of environment.
The Role of Epigenetics and Parental Imprinting
Epigenetic mechanisms, such as parental imprinting, also contribute to height regulation. Some genetic variants only affect height when inherited from a specific parent, and these effects can be seen both at birth and in adult height. This suggests that early growth and adult stature are influenced by complex interactions between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors.
Conclusion
Human height growth is determined by a complex interplay of genetic, hormonal, environmental, nutritional, and epigenetic factors. While genetics account for most of the variation, especially after early childhood, environmental influences like nutrition and disease remain important, particularly in early development and in less advantaged settings. Advances in genetic research continue to uncover new genes and pathways involved in height regulation, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how human stature is determined12345678+2 MORE.
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