You must have heard or uttered the following statements – “You’ve got your dad’s/mom’s eyes,” or “That nose runs in the family.”
There’s truth to these statements. Parts of our face, like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, or forehead, may resemble our relatives. But how do genetics influence facial features? Read on to find out.
Genes Associated with Facial Appearance
Genetics plays a crucial role in determining the shape and size of the face. Scientists often use identical twins because they have similar facial traits thanks to their genes. Recent studies have also included large groups of people to study the high number of genes involved in face formation.
Unfortunately, researchers are yet to name how many gene regions are associated with facial shape, size, and appearance. The numbers range from 30 to 130, yet we are miles away from breaking the surface of genetics.
Nevertheless, researchers agree that these gene regions influence the facial shape, as indicated by recent international research conducted by the Open University, Aix-Marseille University, and UCL. The team discovered that one of the inherited genes was TBXwas after analyzing data from 6,000+ volunteers from Latin America.
This gene associated with lip shape was linked to Denisovans, an ancient group of humans who lived across Asia. Even though the Denisovans are extinct, traces of their facial DNA lives on in modern humans.
Other genes associated with facial features are:
- PDE8A gene: It is associated with face shape and width.
- EDAR: It influences chin shape and prominence.
- SCHIP: Gene associated with face height and width.
- WDR27: It is essential for eye tail length.
- HOXD1-MTX-2: Linked to the eyelid curvature.
- PAX3: Plays a role in defining the distance between eyeballs.
- TMEM163: Defines the width, height, and depth of eyes.
- PARK2: Determines mid-face height.
- ZNF219, CHD8: Associated with nose prominence.
Facial Features Inherited from Parents
After numerous studies, scientists have identified the parts of the face that are likely to be passed down.
The nose is undoubtedly one of the most inherited features, with a 66% likelihood of a child inheriting the tip of the nose. Next in succession is the philtrum, a region between the nose and the upper lip, which holds a 62% chance. The cheekbones, face shape, lip shape, chin, and inner corners of the eyes are more often determined by genetics.
Speaking of eyes, genetic variations may come into play to determine eye color and shape. This is why parents with blue eyes can have a brown-eyed child. The same goes for eye shapes like round eyes, protruding eyes, or hunter eyes (almond eyes). A child may have a different eye shape from their parents.
Genetics also play a role in facial deformities, with malformations like cleft lip and palate being passed onto generations. Due to this, parents with these malformations may undergo a physical examination and a three-generation pedigree to identify the genetic syndrome. However, some medications during pregnancy or environmental factors can also cause a cleft lip and palate.
If you are wondering whether dimples are inherited, there are mixed responses to this. Some experts believe they are a dominant trait, where parents with dimples can give birth to a baby with dimples. Others, however, mention it is an unpredictable, inheritable trait. We are currently unable to establish a link between dimples and genetics due to limited research.
Final Thoughts
Genetics play a massive role in facial features, which explains indistinguishable traits in identical twins or kids who closely resemble their parents. Some of the most inherited parts are the nose, cheekbones, philtrum, and inner corners of the eyes.
