Limb development genes are responsible for fingerprint patterns: BHU scientists study reveals

Dr Chandana, scientist from Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, BHU was the only scientist from India in the team. Fingerprints are known to be unique to an individual but they can be generally categorized into three types – arch, loop, and whorl.

A study has revealed that fingerprint patterns in humans are determined by limb development genes. The study was recently published in the scientific journals of Science -CELL and was conducted by a team of international scientists from Shanghai, Australia, UK, USA, and India, said BHU in a press statement.

Dr Chandana, scientist from Centre for Genetic Disorders, Institute of Science, BHU was the only scientist from India in the team. Fingerprints are known to be unique to an individual but they can be generally categorized into three types – arch, loop, and whorl. To understand the genes responsible for fingerprint patterns, the team studied DNA from more than 23,000 individuals from different ethnic groups and identified 43 genetic loci contributing to fingerprint pattern. Interestingly, they found that most of these genetic loci are from the genes involved in the limb development pathways rather than genes related to skin development, stated the press release.

One of the topmost genes identified was EVI1, which has been known for its role in embryonic limb development. When the team further tested using mouse models of EVI1, they found that genetically modified mice with decreased expression of EVI1 developed abnormal skin patterns on their digits compared to the wild-type normal mice.

Dr Chandana said, “There are no fingerprints in mice, but it was interesting to develop a method of scoring the ridges (the analogue of fingerprints). When we compared these ridge patterns between modified EVI1 and normal mouse, we found a similar result as humans.” This is one most comprehensive study on genetics of fingerprint patterns.

Prof Parimal Das, coordinator of Centre for Genetic Disorders, said, “Comprehensive study like this involving population genetics, mice model, cell biology, protein network, is a powerful approach to unravel the biology of complex traits and is the need of the hour.”

Prof Anil Kumar Tripathi, director, Institute of Science said, “Genetic association of fingerprints with limb development is a new dimension of developmental biology which may have important societal implications. Participation of Dr Chandana in this study reflects her zest for inquiry into the mysteries of nature.”

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