Whole genome sequencing of Ethiopian highlanders reveals conserved hypoxia tolerance genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although it has long been proposed that genetic factors contribute to adaptation to high altitude, such factors remain largely unverified. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing have made it feasible to analyze genome-wide patterns of genetic variation in human populations. Since traditionally such studies surveyed only a small fraction of the genome, interpretation of the results was limited.

Results

We report here the results of the first whole genome resequencing-based analysis identifying genes that likely modulate high altitude adaptation in native Ethiopians residing at 3,500 m above sea level on Bale Plateau or Chennek field in Ethiopia. Using cross-population tests of selection, we identify regions with a significant loss of diversity, indicative of

SUBMITTER: Udpa N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4054780 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature