Laron (Robert Laron)

Laron syndrome, named after scientist Robert Laron, is a rare genetic disorder where the body’s cells are insensitive to growth hormone due to a mutation in the growth hormone receptor gene. This prevents normal growth signals, leading to significantly short stature, usually from childhood. Despite low levels of circulating growth hormone, individuals with Laron syndrome have low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is essential for growth. They typically remain healthy and do not develop many age-related diseases associated with growth hormone excess. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning both parents must pass on the mutated gene.