Tooth agenesis-related GLI2 and GLI3 genes may contribute to craniofacial skeletal morphology in humans

Arch Oral Biol. 2019 Jul:103:12-18. doi: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2019.05.008. Epub 2019 May 11.

Abstract

Objective: The present cross-sectional, multi-centre, genetic study aimed to determine, whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in tooth agenesis (TA)-associated GLI2 and GLI3 genes contribute to the development of craniofacial skeletal morphology in humans.

Design: Orthodontic patients from an ethnically heterogeneous population were selected for the present study (n = 594). The presence or absence of TA was determined by analysis of panoramic radiography and dental records. The subjects were classified according to their skeletal malocclusion and facial growth pattern by means of digital cephalometric analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from squamous epithelial cells of the buccal mucosa and SNPs in GLI2 (rs3738880, rs2278741) and GLI3 (rs929387, rs846266) were analysed by polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan chemistry and end-point analysis.

Results: Class II skeletal malocclusion presented a significantly lower frequency of TA (P < 0.05). Subjects without TA showed significantly higher ANB angles (P < 0.05). Genotype and/or allele distributions of the SNPs in GLI2 (rs3738880, rs2278741) and GLI3 (rs846266) were associated with the presence of TA (P < 0.05). The SNPs rs3738880, rs2278741 and rs929387 were also associated with some type of skeletal malocclusion (P < 0.05), but not with the facial growth pattern (P > 0.05). The G allele for TA-related GLI2 rs3738880 was strongly linked to the presence of Class III skeletal malocclusion (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.37-3.03; P<3125 × 10-6). GLI2 rs2278741 C allele was overrepresented in individuals without TA, suggesting it as a protective factor for this dental phenotype (OR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.24-0.78; P<625 × 10-5).

Conclusion: The present study suggests that SNPs in TA-associated GLI2 and GLI3 genes may also play a role in the development of skeletal malocclusions. rs3738880 and rs2278741 in GLI2 seems to contribute to the genetic background for skeletal Class III and TA, respectively. TA could be an additional predictor of craniofacial morphology in some cases. Further research replicating the reported associations should be performed.

Keywords: Craniofacial morphology; Genetic variants; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Skeletal class; Tooth agenesis.

MeSH terms

  • Cephalometry
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / etiology
  • Craniofacial Abnormalities / genetics*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Malocclusion / etiology
  • Malocclusion / genetics*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli2 / genetics*
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli3 / genetics*

Substances

  • GLI2 protein, human
  • GLI3 protein, human
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli2
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli3