Differentiated demographic histories and local adaptations between Sherpas and Tibetans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The genetic relationships reported by recent studies between Sherpas and Tibetans are controversial. To gain insights into the population history and the genetic basis of high-altitude adaptation of the two groups, we analyzed genome-wide data in 111 Sherpas (Tibet and Nepal) and 177 Tibetans (Tibet and Qinghai), together with available data from present-day human populations.

Results

Sherpas and Tibetans show considerable genetic differences and can be distinguished as two distinct groups, even though the divergence between them (~3200-11,300 years ago) is much later than that between Han Chinese and either of the two groups (~6200-16,000 years ago). Sub-population structures exist in both Sherpas and Tibetans, corresponding to geographical or linguistic groups.

SUBMITTER: Zhang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5472941 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature