A recent study published on December 12 in Current Biology reveals that a group of genes, including one inherited from Neanderthals, plays a crucial role in shaping the size and form of human teeth.
Researchers identified 18 gene sets influencing tooth shape and size, 17 of which had not previously been associated with dental development. Among these is a gene linked to Neanderthal ancestry, passed down through interbreeding with ancient humans.
“We have now identified numerous genes that impact the development of our teeth, some of which are responsible for differences between ethnic groups,” explained Kaustubh Adhikari, a statistical geneticist at University College London, in a university press release.
The study offers valuable insights into human evolution and hints at future applications for improving dental health. Qing Li, lead researcher and postdoctoral scholar at Fudan University in China, highlighted the potential medical implications: “Some of the genes that contribute to normal tooth variation can also lead to pathogenic issues, such as teeth failing to grow or other dental abnormalities.”
Li hopes the findings could pave the way for genetic testing to diagnose dental problems or even the development of gene therapies for treating certain conditions.
To conduct the study, researchers examined data from nearly 900 volunteers in Colombia, individuals of mixed European, Native American, and African ancestry. By analyzing dental crown measurements from 3D scans of dental casts and comparing them with genetic profiles, the team uncovered fascinating genetic patterns.
Notably, the Neanderthal gene variant was present only in people of European descent, who also exhibited thinner incisors—the eight front teeth specialized for biting. Another gene, EDAR, known to influence incisor shape in East Asians, was found to affect tooth width across all populations.
The study also revealed that Europeans generally have smaller teeth compared to other groups.
However, the evolutionary reasons for these gene variants remain unclear. “It’s possible these genes were selected for other traits unrelated to dental health, with tooth shape differences emerging as a byproduct,” said Andres Ruiz-Linares, a professor of human genetics at University College London.
This research sheds light on how genetics shapes our teeth while hinting at promising applications in personalized dental care.
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