 The study found that two genetic variations, one in the CYP26C1 gene and another in the SHOX gene, can affect the severity of SHOX deficiency. These variations lead to higher levels of retinoic acid, which decreases the amount of SHOX protein produced, resulting in shorter limbs and other symptoms associated with SHOX deficiency. Additionally, the researchers found that when both genes are modified, the effects on the body are much more severe than if only one or the other is modified. This article was authored by Antonino Montalbano, Lonnie Iaconsen, Ralph Rhofe, and others.