Genetic diagnosis of very tall stature

In most individuals with very tall stature its cause remains unknown, despite
thorough clinical and biochemical investigations. This protocol concerns a
long-lasting study aimed at improving diagnostic techniques, in order to
establish the cause of tall stature in a higher percentage. From a series of
patients with tall stature, blood will be taken and used for various molecular
analyses (systems biology). We expect that this approach will deliver a better
insight into the causes of tall stature

a. analysis of the utility of new molecular techniques in the diagnosis of tall
stature, particularly the detection of small chromosomal disorders
b. identification of genetic factors that cause tall stature, or influence its
severity
c. analysis of protein profiles with proteomics techniques

a. DNA bank from individuals with tall stature will be established in order to
search for its etiology. To facilitate the detection of responsible genes also
DNA from the parents will be stored.
b. the material will be used for validating new molecular techniques as a
diagnostic instrument in tall stature
c. after establishing the diagnosis, the association of the protein profile
with the genetic disorder will be investigated

From individuals from group a blood will be taken once, and height will be
measured. From individuals from group b (parents) blood will be drawn.