Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of Tibetan Sheep Revealed by Whole-Genome Resequencing: Implications for Conservation and Breeding.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) have evolved remarkable adaptations to the extreme high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. While previous studies have identified some genetic features underlying these adaptations, a comprehensive understanding of their population genetics and selection signatures remains incomplete. We hypothesized that Tibetan sheep harbor unique genetic diversity and population structure distinct from low-altitude sheep (Hu sheep and Small Tail Han sheep), and that whole-genome resequencing could identify key positively selected genes driving their high-altitude adaptation and economic trait variation. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the population structure and genetic diversity of Tibetan sheep via whole-genome resequencing a

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12562896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature