TNRC6A rs113388806: Understanding Rare Variants and Adult Height
The genetic variant rs113388806 is a rare coding variant located within the TNRC6A gene. It has been identified in large-scale genomic research as a contributor to the complex genetic architecture of human adult height.
What each genotype means
Typical height association
This genotype represents the most common form of this variant found in the general population. Research indicates that this variant is associated with the genetic architecture of human adult height, though the evidence for its specific impact remains limited. As height is a complex, polygenic trait influenced by many genetic and environmental factors, this genotype does not determine an individual's height.
This is the most frequent genotype observed across most global populations.
Rare variant carrier
You carry one copy of the rare allele for this variant, which has been identified in research as a contributor to the genetic architecture of human adult height. Because this is a rare variant, its specific influence on height is not fully characterized and the evidence strength is currently limited. Height is a complex trait influenced by hundreds of genetic variants, and this single marker is only one small piece of that architecture.
This genotype is rare, occurring in a small fraction of the population across most ancestries.
Rare variant homozygous
You carry two copies of the rare allele for this variant, which has been identified in research as a contributor to the genetic architecture of human adult height. The evidence for this variant's effect on height is limited, and it is not considered a primary driver of stature. As height is a complex, polygenic trait, this genotype should be viewed as a minor contributor within a much larger genetic context.
This genotype is extremely rare in the general population.
What is rs113388806?
The variant rs113388806 is a specific change in the human DNA sequence located on chromosome 16. In the context of genomics, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) like this represents a variation at a single position in the DNA code. While many SNPs are common across the human population, rs113388806 is classified as a rare variant. It is situated within the TNRC6A gene, which provides instructions for making a protein involved in gene silencing and RNA-mediated processes. Because this variant is located in a coding region, it has the potential to influence the structure or function of the protein produced by the gene. Researchers study such variants to understand how specific, less-frequent changes in our genetic blueprint contribute to observable physical traits, such as how tall an individual grows to be as an adult.
The Role of TNRC6A
The TNRC6A gene, also known as Trinucleotide Repeat Containing Adaptor 6A, plays a critical role in the cell's machinery. It is a key component of the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which helps regulate gene expression by silencing specific messenger RNA molecules. By controlling which genes are turned on or off, this protein is essential for normal cellular development and function. Because growth and height are complex, polygenic traits—meaning they are influenced by the combined effects of many different genes—the involvement of a regulatory protein like TNRC6A is significant. Variations in this gene may subtly alter the efficiency of these regulatory pathways, which in turn can influence the biological processes that determine skeletal growth and overall stature during development.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between rs113388806 and adult height was identified through large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies analyze the genomes of hundreds of thousands of individuals to find statistical correlations between specific genetic markers and physical traits. Research published in journals such as Nature has highlighted that while common variants explain a portion of height heritability, rare and low-frequency coding variants like rs113388806 provide additional insight into the missing pieces of this genetic puzzle. It is important to note that the evidence for this specific variant is considered limited. While the statistical association is documented in large meta-analyses, the biological mechanism by which this specific variant influences height is still an area of active investigation. As with many polygenic traits, the effect size of any single rare variant is typically very small.
What This Information Means for You
Learning about a variant like rs113388806 can be an educational window into the complexity of human genetics. However, it is vital to understand that height is a multifactorial trait influenced by thousands of genetic variants, as well as environmental factors like nutrition and overall health during childhood. Having or not having this specific variant does not provide a predictive tool for an individual's height. This information is intended for scientific interest and public understanding of genomic research rather than for personal health assessment or medical diagnosis. If you have questions about your growth, development, or genetic health, the most appropriate course of action is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a genetic counselor who can provide context based on your complete medical history and clinical presentation.
How common is this variant?
The variant rs113388806 is classified as rare, meaning it appears at a very low frequency across global populations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this variant to predict my child's height?
No. Height is a complex trait influenced by thousands of genetic variants and environmental factors. A single rare variant like rs113388806 has a negligible impact on predicting an individual's final adult height.
Is rs113388806 a disease-causing mutation?
No. This variant is associated with normal variation in human height, not a specific genetic disease or disorder. It is a natural part of human genetic diversity.
Where can I find more information about my own genetic data?
If you have received results from a direct-to-consumer genetic test, you can often look up specific rsIDs in their provided reports or raw data files. Always discuss these results with a healthcare provider to understand their clinical relevance.
Why is the evidence for this variant called 'limited'?
Evidence is labeled as limited when the statistical association is observed in large studies but the functional biological impact remains to be fully proven. It suggests that while the correlation exists, more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/21/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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This variant is an uncharacterized single nucleotide variation with no established clinical significance.
This variant is an uncharacterized single nucleotide variation with no established clinical significance.
This variant is an uncharacterized single nucleotide variation with no established clinical significance.
This variant is an uncharacterized single nucleotide variation with no established clinical significance.