738 Genome-wide association study of the nasolabial fold identified novel variants associated with facial morphology

The nasolabial fold (NLF) is among the most notable phenotypes of facial aging for aesthetic physicians. Previous studies have clarified three-dimensional structures NLF and verified their detailed composition. Reportedly has a reasonable heritability, but related genetic factors not yet been identified. In this study, we developed deep learning-based method to measure NLF, performed largest genome-wide association study date in 12,322 Han Chinese. Two novel loci on 2q31.1 3p26.1 were significantly associated with (P=7.18×10-19 3.02×10-10, respectively). Interestingly, genes near these two both reported play important roles development morphology. By further examining 3D images same individuals measurement, could directly demonstrate between Specifically, distances nose mouth strongly (subnasale-labiale inferius: P=0.04; left alare-labiale P=0.01; alare-labliale superius: P=0.04), consistent results from previous anatomical studies. conclusion, expanded knowledge its relationship morphology perspective.