A new study has found that at least some of the genes responsible for human nasal anatomy may have been inherited from Neanderthals. Researchers found 26 genetic regions that were strongly linked to a human's face shape, with those of Native American ancestry possessing a gene inherited from Neanderthals called ATF3. The development of the ATF3 gene could be responsible for at least part of the change in nose shape. The study's diverse sample of Latin American participants broadens the reach of genetic study findings, helping us to better understand the genetics of all humans.
A new genome-wide association study (GWAS) from University College London (UCL) and collaborators has found that genetic material inherited from Neanderthals can affect the nose shape of modern humans. The study explored genetic markers associated with specific human facial features in over 6,000 Latin Americans and identified one specific genome region associated with nose shape that carries genetic material inherited from the Neanderthals. The research team collected 2D photographs from over 6,000 volunteers involved in the CANDELA study, all of whom have been previously studied in GWASs exploring physical traits.
A recent study led by UCL researchers has found that a specific gene that results in a taller nose might have undergone natural selection as early humans adapted to colder environments after migrating out of Africa. The study discovered that Neanderthal genetic material inherited by humans has an impact on the shape of our noses. The researchers newly identified 33 genome regions associated with face shape, 26 of which they were able to replicate in comparisons with data from other ethnicities using participants in east Asia, Europe, or Africa.
Researchers have identified a gene associated with taller noses in humans, which they believe was inherited from Neanderthals. The interdisciplinary team studied genetic information from 6,000 modern humans of mixed European, Native American, and African ancestry from Latin America. The gene responsible for tall noses in some humans is the Activating Transcription Factor 3 (ATF3). The researchers believe that the gene may have been inherited from Neanderthals to help humans adapt to colder climates as our ancestors moved out of Africa.
A new study led by UCL researchers has found that humans inherited genetic material from Neanderthals that affects the shape of our noses. The study used data from more than 6,000 volunteers across Latin America, of mixed European, Native American and African ancestry, and identified 33 genome regions associated with face shape, 26 of which they were able to replicate in comparisons with data from other ethnicities. The researchers found that a particular gene, which leads to a taller nose, may have been the product of natural selection as ancient humans adapted to colder climates after leaving Africa.
