These Rare Fork-Nosed Dogs Could Help Solve a Genetic Mystery in Humans

A rare breed of hunting dogs known for their forked nose, the Turkish Pointer, may offer insights into why some babies are born with facial clefts. Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in these dogs that could explain cases of cleft lip and palate in humans. A team from institutions in the U.S. and Sweden analyzed 2,000 dog genomes and identified new gene variants linked to facial structure, including one found in the Turkish Pointer breed. This study published in Genome Research suggests another genetic factor contributing to facial clefts, which are rare (occurring once every 700 births) and often require surgery for treatment.