Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – A team of researchers, co-led by experts from University College London (UCL), has formally identified genetic variants that influence the morphology of human teeth. Notably, this includes a gene inherited from Neanderthals.
Researchers identified significant variations in dental characteristics among different ethnic groups. These differences may be partially attributed to a gene inherited from Neanderthals, which was exclusively observed in participants of European descent, according to their study published in the journal Current Biology.
“Teeth can tell us a great deal about human evolution, as well-preserved ancient teeth are particularly important to archaeologists, shedding light on milestones such as when we transitioned to cooked food and human tooth sizes began to shrink,” co-lead author Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari (UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment and The Open University) said.
However, the genetic foundation underlying variations in tooth size and shape within the contemporary human population remains largely unexplored. This is partly attributable to the inherent difficulties associated with accurately measuring dental characteristics.
Dr. Kaustubh Adhikari stated, “We have now identified a significant number of genes that influence the development of our teeth, some of which account for variations observed among different ethnic groups.”
The study used data from 882 Colombian volunteers of mixed European, Native American, and African ancestry. It included dental crown measurements from 3D scans of dental plaster casts. The researchers compared these measurements with participants’ genetic information using a genome-wide association study and a multiomics analysis that integrates various data sources.
An international team from UCL, Open University, Fudan University, Aix-Marseille University, and National University of La Plata identified 18 genome regions influencing tooth size and shape, 17 of which were previously unlinked to tooth dimensions.
A gene inherited from Neanderthals, linked to tooth development, was found only in people of European descent. Carriers have thinner incisors, measured from back to front. Overall, Europeans had smaller teeth.
The researchers identified correlations between tooth dimensions and the EDAR gene, which was previously recognized for its influence on incisor shape in East Asian populations. The recent study further found that this gene also plays a role in determining the width of all teeth.
“Some of the genes that contribute to the normal variation of tooth dimensions among healthy people can also contribute to pathogenic variation, such as teeth failing to grow in or other dental health conditions,” first author Dr. Qing Li (Fudan University) said.
“We hope that our findings could be useful medically, if people with particular dental problems could undergo genetic tests to help in diagnosis, or if some dental anomalies could be treated one day with gene therapies.”
The research findings did not clarify whether the genes responsible for determining tooth shape were selected during evolution due to specific benefits to dental health. It remains plausible that these genes were favored because of their effects in other domains, with variations in tooth shape emerging as a secondary consequence, according to co-lead author Professor Andrés Ruiz-Linares from UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment, Fudan University, and Aix-Marseille University.
Previously, the researchers found that genes inherited from Neanderthals may contribute to greater pain sensitivity, and impact the shape of our noses.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
