such as height and/or other genetic contributors (for example, gene-gene or gene-environment interactions, rare variants with large effects, or uncaptured genomic features such as structural polymorphisms) will play a significant role. In particular, because the quality-control criteria used in the GWA studies analyzed here would have removed SNPs affected by copy number polymorphisms, we cannot conclude anything regarding the role of these variants on adult height. With the development of new platforms and improved analytical tools applicable to large cohorts, it is likely that the role of common structural variants on human complex traits such as adult height will soon be elucidated. Finally, if height is indeed a good model for other complex traits, these results suggest that large meta-analyses of GWA studies will provide insights not only into human growth but also into the underlying biological mechanisms of common disease.
