📷 Image Credits: The Hindu
In a recent study published in this month’s issue of the journal Genetics, researchers led by Ye Rao of Capital Medical University, Beijing, discovered a gene mutation that impacts our ability to recognize familiar faces. The mutation in the MCTP2 gene leads to a condition called prosopagnosia, or face blindness, affecting about 1.8-2.9% of the general population globally.
The study involved a family with 35 individuals spread across three generations, where some members had difficulty recognizing faces. By analyzing their genome, researchers found a unique mutation in the MCTP2 gene, altering a protein’s amino acid. This specific mutation was found to be novel and private to the affected family, highlighting the gene’s crucial role in face recognition.
Further population screening revealed that individuals with mutations in the MCTP2 gene performed poorly on face recognition tests. The study also identified abnormal responses in the fusiform face area of the brain in these individuals, shedding light on the neurological aspect of visual agnosia.
The research not only deepens our understanding of face blindness at a molecular level but also has implications beyond genetics. It raises questions about the complex interplay between genetics, facial features, and social cognition. Additionally, the findings could pave the way for potential applications in forensic medicine and personalized healthcare, offering insights into how genetic variations influence various aspects of human resemblance.
