Genetic variants that determine the shape of your teeth have been identified by a team co-led by University College London (UCL) researchers. In a new paper published in Current Biology, scientists found substantial tooth differences between ethnicities, potentially due in part to a gene inherited from Neanderthals that was only found in study participants of European origin.

Co-lead author Dr Kaustubh Adhikari, UCL Genetics, Evolution & Environment and The Open University, said: “Little is known about the genetic basis of variation within the modern human population on tooth size and shape, partly due to challenges in measuring teeth. We have now identified numerous genes that impact the development of our teeth, some of which are responsible for differences between ethnic groups”.

The study used data from 882 volunteers in Colombia, of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry, including dental crown measurements derived from 3D scans of dental plaster casts. The researchers compared these measurements with the participants’ genetic information in a genome-wide association study, using an analysis approach called multiomics that brings together numerous data sources.

One of the novel associations was on a gene believed to be inherited from Neanderthals due to interbreeding with ancient humans. This genetic variant, which contributes to the biological pathway of tooth development, was only found in those of European descent, and carriers of the variant have thinner incisors. On the whole, those of European descent had smaller teeth.

The researchers also found associations with tooth dimensions on a gene, EDAR, that was already known to impact incisor shape in East Asian people, while the new study found that the gene also determined the width of all teeth.

From: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241212115635.htm