From correspondents in Washington, United States, 02:31 PM IST

Scientists wanting to know why people are taller or shorter, have discovered 10 new genes that influence height, according to an international study.

This meta-analysis, based on a study of more than 26,000 people, found the new genes to explain differences in stature by 3.5 cm.

Several of the identified genes are targeted by microRNA let-7, which affects regulation of other genes. This connection was completely unknown until now.

Moreover, the results could have a bearing on patients with inherited growth problems, or with problems in bone development, because some of the newly discovered genes have rare mutations.

Further functional studies are necessary to completely elucidate the biological mechanisms behind this growing list of genes related to height.

As German contribution to the study, data from about 5,600 participants of another study were analysed by HelmholtzZentrum scientists, Christian Gieger, Susana Eyheramendy, PD Thomas Illig, Iris M. Heid and H.-Erich Wichmann.

These findings have been published in Nature Genetics.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)