Synopsis
Short stature is a common and heterogeneous condition which is often genetic in etiology. For most children with genetic short stature, the specific molecular causes remain unknown, but with advances in exome/genome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches, new genetic causes of growth disorders have been identified, contributing to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of longitudinal bone growth and growth failure. These genetic causes can involve not only hormonal deficiencies, including the growth hormone-IGF-1 axis, thyroid hormone or glucocorticoid and defects in hormonal receptors or subsequent signaling, but also defects in fundamental cellular processes (intracellular signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, and DNA repair), extracellular matrix, or paracrine signaling. Especially, heterozygous and/or mild mutations in SHOX, NPR2, ACAN, IGF1, IGF1R, or FGFR3 have been associated with isolated short stature without other prominent or noticeable phenotype while homozygous and/or severe mutations in these genes cause severe short stature with bone malformation, that is, a chondrodysplasia. Identifying new genetic causes of growth disorders has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognostic accuracy, individualized management, and help avoid unnecessary testing for endocrine and other disorders.