[ad_1]
More than the eye can discern! Study identifies 50 new genes that play a role in iris coloring compared to one or two previously said to determine different shades
- Study Identifies 50 New Genes Involved In Determining The Color Of Human Eyes
- Researcher conducted the analysis on some 195,000 Europeans and Asians
- It was previously believed that only one or two genes were involved
- However, many new genes have not been reported to determine eye color.
A new study reveals that the color of human eyes is much more complex than previously believed.
A group of international scientists have identified 50 new genes that play a role in eye color following genetic analysis of nearly 195,000 people in Europe and Asia.
It was previously said that shades are controlled by one or two genes, with brown eyes usually dominating blue.
The team also found that 1,636 Asian participants with varying shades of brown eyes exhibited similar variations in iris pigmentation to Europeans who have a wider gamut from dark brown to light blue.
“The results of our study demonstrate that the genetic complexity of human eye color greatly exceeds previous knowledge and expectations, highlighting eye color as a genetically very complex human trait,” reads the study published in Science. Advances.
![A group of international scientists have identified 50 new genes that play a role in eye color following genetic analysis of nearly 195,000 people in Europe and Asia. Shades were previously said to be controlled by one or two genes, with brown eyes usually dominating blue.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/12/19/40396016-9356431-image-m-32_1615576473276.jpg)
A group of international scientists have identified 50 new genes that play a role in eye color following genetic analysis of nearly 195,000 people in Europe and Asia. Shades were previously said to be controlled by one or two genes, with brown eyes usually dominating blue.
The study, led by King’s College London and Erasmus University Rotterdam Medical Center, is considered “the largest genetic study of its kind to date.”
Co-lead author Dr Manfred Kayser, Erasmus University Medical Center Rotterdam, said: “ This study provides the genetic knowledge needed to improve the prediction of eye color from DNA, as already applied in anthropological and forensic studies, but with limited accuracy for non-blue eye colors. “
The 50 new genes had previously been identified, but were not classified as playing a role in eye color.
For example, the team found that eight of the genes were associated with genetic associations with other pigment traits, such as hair and skin color.
![These findings will help improve the understanding of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism, where eye pigment levels play a role.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/03/12/19/40396334-9356431-image-a-36_1615576872619.jpg)
These findings will help improve the understanding of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism, where eye pigment levels play a role.
“In addition, we also identified 34 genetic loci that were significantly associated with eye color, but for which there is no significant association report with hair and / or skin color,” state Researchers.
These findings will help improve the understanding of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism, where eye pigment levels play a role.
Co-lead author Dr Pirro Hysi King’s said: “ The results are exciting as they bring us closer to understanding the genes behind one of the most striking features of human faces, which has mystified generations throughout our history. ‘
“It will improve our understanding of many diseases that we know are associated with specific pigmentation levels.”
The color of our eyes has always been a mysterious wonder and is usually a surprise at birth.
However, new technologies allow humans to choose a baby’s eye shade, as well as other abilities and features.
A form of gene editing called CRISPR is already being used by Chinese scientists to modify pathogenic genetic mutations in human embryos.
And a 2018 study found that 39% of people would modify their unborn child’s DNA to select the color of their eyes.
[ad_2]
Source link