Nature sub-journal: Revealing the genetic information behind "face values"

, feelings always begin with the value of the face, trapped in talent, loyal to character. The value of the face, also known as the facial form of a person, is a highly polymorphic and complex structure created by the coordination of genetic, cellular and environmental factors. However, fetal facial structures tend to fuse together during early development, so how do our faces form and how do morphological structures change with evolution?Recently, researchers from Pennsylvania State University in the United States published a study entitled Insights into the genetic architecture of the human face, using multivariate genome-wide association studies, a meta-analysis of 8,246 individuals, from which 203 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with normal range of facial variations were identified, providing insights into how individual genetics coordinates to shape complex morphological characteristics.To decipher the genetic information behind the face, the researchers used detailed 3D facial photographs of 8,246 participants from the United Kingdom (n-3566) and the United States (n-4680), drew a dense mesh of 7,160 vertes of the same origin, and then divided them into 63 segments using Platts analysis and main composition analysis to capture the main esoptic variation in each facial fragment.After a genome-wide meta-analysis of the main component retained for each facial fragment and 7417619 SNPs, the researchers identified a total of 17,612 SNPs, of which 203 SNPs identified in the meta-analysis showed consistent genetic effects. A annotated analysis of the surrounding areas of the 203 key SNPs throughout the genome found that many of these gene base genes were related to the shape and overall shape of the skull face, some of which causes cleft lip.The researchers then assessed the cell types and developmental points in these regions and found that the regions surrounding these SNPs were rich in active enhancers in cranial nerve cells and cranial tissue. And these SNP signals are associated with different facial esoterics, which may be synergistic in the process of facial morphological variation, such as the variation of the TBX15-WARS2 multi-peak gene base associated with forehead protrusion and chin dimple formation.In addition, the researchers identified 89 gene constellations associated with facial esoterype abnormalities, 29 of which were newly discovered. At the same time, 53 genome-wide peaks were found to be located in areas previously unknown in facial development or disease, which may represent previously unknown genes and regulatory pathways in facial development.Julie D. White, the report's author, said: "This study not only improves our understanding of facial genetics, but also helps us better understand the factors that contribute to birth defects in the human face. A closer analysis of our findings reveals that these genes overlap with those previously associated with non-facial matters, such as limb development, organ and bone abnormalities. And that's not surprising, because many of the genes identified may begin to work early in embryonic development, and we have to do more to verify these associations. (Biological Exploration):