Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

A RAPID Method for Blood Processing to Increase the Yield of Plasma Peptide Levels in Human Blood
Published on: April 28, 2016
Ghrelin receptor gene polymorphisms and body size in children and adults
Edwin A Garcia1, Barbara Heude, Clive J Petry
1Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
Background:
The GH secretagogue receptor type 1a gene (GHSR) encodes the cognate receptor of ghrelin, a gut hormone that regulates food intake and pituitary GH secretion. Previous studies in U.S. families and a German population suggested GHSR to be a candidate quantitative locus for association with human obesity and growth.
Aim:
The aim of the study was to test common genetic variation in GHSR for association with body size in children and adults.
Methods:
Sequencing was performed to systematically identify novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GHSR. A set of three haplotype-tagging SNPs that captured all the genetic variation in GHSR was identified. These three haplotype-tagging SNPs were then genotyped in three large population-based U.K. cohort studies (two adult and one childhood cohort) comprising 5807 adults and 843 children.
Results:
No significant genotype or haplotype associations were found with adult or childhood height, weight, or body mass index.
Conclusion:
Common variation in GHSR is not associated with body size in U.K. adults or children.
Related Concept Videos
Nature and Nurture
Regulation of Food Intake
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Polygenic Traits
Gene-Environment Interactions
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

