Genome-wide selection signal analysis reveals the adaptability of Tibetan sheep to high altitudes.

ABSTRACT: Altitude adaptation is a complex process involving multiple physiological and biochemical responses to hypoxia and other environmental stresses. In-depth genetic analysis of Tibetan sheep, which exhibit significant adaptations to high-altitude hypoxia, promises to elucidate hypoxia-tolerance mechanisms in plateau animals. Here, we conducted a genome-wide selection scan on three Tibetan sheep populations: low-altitude Tao (TS; 2887 m), medium-altitude Tianjun white (WT; 3331 m), and high-altitude Huoerba (HB; 4614 m). Using the population differentiation index (Fst) and nucleotide diversity (θπ) ratio, we analyzed selection signals associated with hypoxia at high-altitudes. We screened 865, 941, and 876 candidate genes in the TS vs. WT, TS vs. HB, and WT vs. HB group comparisons, respective

SUBMITTER: Song Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12392279 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature