This study identifies hundreds of genetic variants associated with adult height, a highly heritable polygenic trait. Using data from 183,727 individuals, the researchers found that 180 genomic loci influence height, with many of these loci enriched for genes involved in skeletal growth. The study shows that the most strongly associated variants are often near the causal genes, and that multiple variants may exist at some loci, suggesting allelic heterogeneity. The associated variants are also enriched for functional effects on genes, such as altering protein structure or gene expression. The study explains about 10% of the phenotypic variation in height, with an estimated 16% if additional variants were considered. The findings suggest that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can identify biologically relevant genes and pathways. The study also shows that height variants are enriched for genes involved in skeletal growth and that these genes are often located near the most associated variants. The study further demonstrates that height variants are functionally related and are part of biological pathways such as Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and growth hormone. The study also highlights the importance of further research to uncover more of the genetic basis of height and other complex traits. The study was conducted by a large international team of researchers from various institutions. The study was supported by numerous funding sources, including the Academy of Finland, the British Heart Foundation, and the European Commission. The study provides strong evidence that the causal gene is often located near the most strongly associated variant. The study also shows that the genetic architecture of height is complex and that many common variants may contribute to the trait. The study suggests that future research should focus on less common variants and that new approaches, such as sequencing studies, may be needed to fully understand the genetic basis of height and other complex traits.This study identifies hundreds of genetic variants associated with adult height, a highly heritable polygenic trait. Using data from 183,727 individuals, the researchers found that 180 genomic loci influence height, with many of these loci enriched for genes involved in skeletal growth. The study shows that the most strongly associated variants are often near the causal genes, and that multiple variants may exist at some loci, suggesting allelic heterogeneity. The associated variants are also enriched for functional effects on genes, such as altering protein structure or gene expression. The study explains about 10% of the phenotypic variation in height, with an estimated 16% if additional variants were considered. The findings suggest that genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can identify biologically relevant genes and pathways. The study also shows that height variants are enriched for genes involved in skeletal growth and that these genes are often located near the most associated variants. The study further demonstrates that height variants are functionally related and are part of biological pathways such as Hedgehog, TGF-beta, and growth hormone. The study also highlights the importance of further research to uncover more of the genetic basis of height and other complex traits. The study was conducted by a large international team of researchers from various institutions. The study was supported by numerous funding sources, including the Academy of Finland, the British Heart Foundation, and the European Commission. The study provides strong evidence that the causal gene is often located near the most strongly associated variant. The study also shows that the genetic architecture of height is complex and that many common variants may contribute to the trait. The study suggests that future research should focus on less common variants and that new approaches, such as sequencing studies, may be needed to fully understand the genetic basis of height and other complex traits.