New research delves into how Neanderthal genes and critical markers like PITX2 impact tooth size, shedding light on human evolution. The study explores genetic factors influencing dental structure variations in humans, revealing 18 genome regions associated with tooth crown dimensions. Specific genes involved, such as PITX2 and HS3ST3A1, play a role in dental crown morphogenesis. EDAR-associated SNPs influence tooth morphology, with Native American variants linked to MDD increases in the front teeth. Furthermore, SNPs related to HS3ST3A1 originated from Neanderthals, potentially explaining smaller teeth in Europeans. The study underscores the significance of multi-omics in understanding genetic and cellular mechanisms of tooth development for potential treatment advancements.
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The surprising genetics behind human tooth size
