Genes for nose shape found

Genes that drive the shape of human noses have been identified by a UCL-led study. The four genes mainly affect the width and 'pointiness' of noses which vary greatly between different populations. The new information adds to our understanding of how the human face evolved and may help contribute to forensic DNA technologies that build visual profiles based on an individual's genetic makeup. The study 000 people with varied ancestry across Latin America to study the differences in normal facial features and identify the genes which control the shape of the nose and chin. The researchers identified five genes which play a role in controlling the shape of specific facial features. DCHS2, RUNX2, GLI3 and PAX1 affect the width and pointiness of the nose and another gene - EDAR - affects chin protrusion. "Few studies have looked at how normal facial features develop and those that have only looked at European populations, which show less diversity than the group we studied.