A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height
Overview
Paper Summary
Using a genome-wide association study of 5.4 million individuals, researchers identified 12,111 independent SNPs associated with height, accounting for almost all common SNP-based heritability. These SNPs cluster within specific genomic regions covering ~21% of the genome, with higher density regions enriched for genes related to skeletal growth. Prediction accuracy is high in European populations but lower in other ancestries, suggesting the need for greater diversity in future studies.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists looked at lots of people's DNA to figure out why some are tall and some are short. They found thousands of tiny spelling differences in our DNA that work together, mostly in places that tell our bones how to grow.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This study represents a significant advancement in understanding the genetic architecture of human height by using a massive dataset and diverse ancestries. The comprehensive mapping of height-associated SNPs provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of this complex trait. While limitations exist regarding the focus on common variants and limited prediction accuracy in diverse populations, the strengths of the study, including the large sample size and detailed analysis of genomic distribution, outweigh these limitations.
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