Linear growth is a multifactorial trait that is influenced and regulated by a combination of environmental and internal factors. Among the intrinsic determinants of final body height, genetic factors have become more and more prominent, and the list of genes involved in growth-related processes has been extended accordingly. One of the most exciting additions to this list is represented by the discovery of the pseudoautosomal gene SHOX. Originally described as a gene responsible for idiopathic short stature, it has become clear that SHOX mutations can also cause mesomelic short stature and Madelung deformity in Léri-Weill syndrome. In addition, recent studies implicate SHOX haploinsufficiency in a variety of somatic Turner syndrome stigmata.

Keywords:
SHOX, Transcription factor, Growth, Skeletal abnormalities, Léri-Weill syndrome, Turner syndrome
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© 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel
2001
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