Prediction of Facial Phenotypic Traits by DNA: Status of Research

Abstract

The article considers the current state of research aimed at predicting the human phenotypic characteristics based on genetic material. Identification of DNA markers corresponding to certain phenotypes is in demand not only in forensic practices but also in ancient DNA studies. Despite the overall relevance of this field and a large array of publications, research is currently still at its early stage. Bioinformatic analysis of genomic data collected by the scientific community in recent years made it possible to identify the key DNA markers affecting the examined physical characteristics as well as to determine the geography of the alleles. It is noted that the same appearance characteristics in the population of different regions of the world can be determined by different mutations in the ~~same genes which is also relevant when studying the population of Russia. The introduction of modern~~ techniques of whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence provides obvious advantages, including obtaining more accurate and practically valuable methods of forensic identification, medical genetics and paleogenetics.