1
|
Zhang L, Zhu Y, Ren Y, Xu L, Liu X, Qi X, Jiao T, Sun G, Han H, Zhang J, Sun F, Yang Y, Zhao S. Genetic characterization of Tibetan pigs adapted to high altitude under natural selection based on a large whole-genome dataset. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17062. [PMID: 39048584 PMCID: PMC11269713 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65559-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a valuable genetic resource pool, and the high-altitude adaptation of Tibetan pigs is a classic example of the adaptive evolution of domestic animals. Here, we report the presence of Darwinian positive selection signatures in Tibetan pigs (TBPs) using 348 genome-wide datasets (127 whole-genome sequence datasets (WGSs) and 221 whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip datasets). We characterized a high-confidence list of genetic signatures related response to high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan pigs, including 4,598 candidate SNPs and 131 candidate genes. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis revealed that 131 candidate genes are related to multiple systems and organs in Tibetan pigs. Notably, eight of the top ten novel genes, RALB, NBEA, LIFR, CLEC17A, PRIM2, CDH7, GK5 and FAM83B, were highlighted and associated with improved adaptive heart functions in Tibetan pigs high-altitude adaptation. Moreover, genome-wide association analysis revealed that 29 SNPs were involved in 13 candidate genes associated with at least one adaptive trait. In particular, among the top ten candidate genes, CLEC17A is related to a reduction in hemoglobin (HGB) in Tibetan pigs. Overall, our study provides a robust SNP/gene list involving genetic adaptation for Tibetan pig high-altitude adaptation, and it will be a valuable resource for future Tibetan pig studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanbin Zhu
- Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Lhasa, China
| | - Yue Ren
- Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Lhasa, China
| | - Linna Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuanbo Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuebin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
| | - Ting Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
- College of Grassland Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guangming Sun
- Academy of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Lhasa, China
| | - Haiyu Han
- The Animal Husbandry Station in Changdu, Changdu, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Beast Prevention Station in Gongbujiangda County, Linzhi, China
| | - Fengbo Sun
- The Animal Husbandry Station in Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shengguo Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yue T, Guo Y, Qi X, Zheng W, Zhang H, Wang B, Liu K, Zhou B, Zeng X, Ouzhuluobu, He Y, Su B. Sex-biased regulatory changes in the placenta of native highlanders contribute to adaptive fetal development. eLife 2024; 12:RP89004. [PMID: 38869160 PMCID: PMC11175615 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Compared with lowlander migrants, native Tibetans have a higher reproductive success at high altitude though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we compared the transcriptome and histology of full-term placentas between native Tibetans and Han migrants. We found that the placental trophoblast shows the largest expression divergence between Tibetans and Han, and Tibetans show decreased immune response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Remarkably, we detected a sex-biased expression divergence, where the male-infant placentas show a greater between-population difference than the female-infant placentas. The umbilical cord plays a key role in the sex-biased expression divergence, which is associated with the higher birth weight of the male newborns of Tibetans. We also identified adaptive histological changes in the male-infant placentas of Tibetans, including larger umbilical artery wall and umbilical artery intima and media, and fewer syncytial knots. These findings provide valuable insights into the sex-biased adaptation of human populations, with significant implications for medical and genetic studies of human reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yongbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuebin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Wangshan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and TechnologyKunmingChina
| | - Bin Wang
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xuerui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ouzhuluobu
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang HospitalKunmingChina
| | - Yaoxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of SciencesKunmingChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee FS. Hypoxia Inducible Factor pathway proteins in high-altitude mammals. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:79-92. [PMID: 38036336 PMCID: PMC10841901 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Humans and other mammals inhabit hypoxic high-altitude locales. In many of these species, genes under positive selection include ones in the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) pathway. One is PHD2 (EGLN1), which encodes for a key oxygen sensor. Another is HIF2A (EPAS1), which encodes for a PHD2-regulated transcription factor. Recent studies have provided insights into mechanisms for these high-altitude alleles. These studies have (i) shown that selection can occur on nonconserved, unstructured regions of proteins, (ii) revealed that high altitude-associated amino acid substitutions can have differential effects on protein-protein interactions, (iii) provided evidence for convergent evolution by different molecular mechanisms, and (iv) suggested that mutations in different genes can complement one another to produce a set of adaptive phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank S Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siebenmann C, Roche J, Schlittler M, Simpson LL, Stembridge M. Regulation of haemoglobin concentration at high altitude. J Physiol 2023. [PMID: 38051656 DOI: 10.1113/jp284578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lowlanders sojourning for more than 1 day at high altitude (HA) experience a reduction in plasma volume (PV) that increases haemoglobin concentration and thus restores arterial oxygen content. If the sojourn extends over weeks, an expansion of total red cell volume (RCV) occurs and contributes to the haemoconcentration. While the reduction in PV was classically attributed to an increased diuretic fluid loss, recent studies support fluid redistribution, rather than loss, as the underlying mechanism. The fluid redistribution is presumably driven by a disappearance of proteins from the circulation and the resulting reduction in oncotic pressure exerted by the plasma, although the fate of the disappearing proteins remains unclear. The RCV expansion is the result of an accelerated erythropoietic activity secondary to enhanced renal erythropoietin release, but a contribution of other mechanisms cannot be excluded. After return from HA, intravascular volumes return to normal values and the normalisation of RCV might involve selective destruction of newly formed erythrocytes, although this explanation has been strongly challenged by recent studies. In contrast to acclimatised lowlanders, native highlanders originating from the Tibetan and the Ethiopian plateaus present with a normal or only mildly elevated haemoglobin concentration. Genetic adaptations blunting the erythropoietic response to HA exposure have been proposed as an explanation for the absence of more pronounced haemoconcentration in these populations, but new evidence also supports a contribution of a larger than expected PV. The functional significance of the relatively low haemoglobin concentration in Tibetan and Ethiopian highlanders is incompletely understood and warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna Roche
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Maja Schlittler
- AO Research Institute Davos, Regenerative Orthopaedics Program, Davos, Switzerland
| | - Lydia L Simpson
- Department of Sport Science, Division of Performance Physiology and Prevention, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mike Stembridge
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mathieson I. Human genetics: An extreme fitness landscape. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R1064-R1066. [PMID: 37875084 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
A new study aims to identify how genetic and physiological adaptations to altitude affect pregnancy, childbirth and neonatal health in one of the most extreme environments on Earth, the Tibetan Plateau.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iain Mathieson
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He Y, Guo Y, Zheng W, Yue T, Zhang H, Wang B, Feng Z, Ouzhuluobu, Cui C, Liu K, Zhou B, Zeng X, Li L, Wang T, Wang Y, Zhang C, Xu S, Qi X, Su B. Polygenic adaptation leads to a higher reproductive fitness of native Tibetans at high altitude. Curr Biol 2023; 33:4037-4051.e5. [PMID: 37643619 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The adaptation of Tibetans to high-altitude environments has been studied extensively. However, the direct assessment of evolutionary adaptation, i.e., the reproductive fitness of Tibetans and its genetic basis, remains elusive. Here, we conduct systematic phenotyping and genome-wide association analysis of 2,252 mother-newborn pairs of indigenous Tibetans, covering 12 reproductive traits and 76 maternal physiological traits. Compared with the lowland immigrants living at high altitudes, indigenous Tibetans show better reproductive outcomes, reflected by their lower abortion rate, higher birth weight, and better fetal development. The results of genome-wide association analyses indicate a polygenic adaptation of reproduction in Tibetans, attributed to the genomic backgrounds of both the mothers and the newborns. Furthermore, the EPAS1-edited mice display higher reproductive fitness under chronic hypoxia, mirroring the situation in Tibetans. Collectively, these results shed new light on the phenotypic pattern and the genetic mechanism of human reproductive fitness in extreme environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
| | - Yongbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wangshan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Tian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Zhanying Feng
- CEMS, NCMIS, MDIS, Academy of Mathematics & Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China
| | - Ouzhuluobu
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa 850000, China; High Altitude Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Tibetan University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Chaoying Cui
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa 850000, China; High Altitude Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Tibetan University, Lhasa 850000, China
| | - Kai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuerui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Liya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Tianyun Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yong Wang
- CEMS, NCMIS, MDIS, Academy of Mathematics & Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Center for Evolutionary Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China; Human Phenome Institute, Zhangjiang Fudan International Innovation Center, and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuebin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa 850000, China; State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650000, China.
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China; Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Palacios C, Wang P, Wang N, Brown MA, Capatosto L, Du J, Jiang J, Zhang Q, Dahal N, Lamichhaney S. Genomic Variation, Population History, and Long-Term Genetic Adaptation to High Altitudes in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae). Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:msad214. [PMID: 37768198 PMCID: PMC10583571 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Species residing across elevational gradients display adaptations in response to environmental changes such as oxygen availability, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature. Here, we study genomic variation, gene expression, and long-term adaptation in Tibetan Partridge (Perdix hodgsoniae) populations residing across the elevational gradient of the Tibetan Plateau. We generated a high-quality draft genome and used it to carry out downstream population genomic and transcriptomic analysis. The P. hodgsoniae populations residing across various elevations were genetically distinct, and their phylogenetic clustering was consistent with their geographic distribution. We identified possible evidence of gene flow between populations residing in <3,000 and >4,200 m elevation that is consistent with known habitat expansion of high-altitude populations of P. hodgsoniae to a lower elevation. We identified a 60 kb haplotype encompassing the Estrogen Receptor 1 (ESR1) gene, showing strong genetic divergence between populations of P. hodgsoniae. We identified six single nucleotide polymorphisms within the ESR1 gene fixed for derived alleles in high-altitude populations that are strongly conserved across vertebrates. We also compared blood transcriptome profiles and identified differentially expressed genes (such as GAPDH, LDHA, and ALDOC) that correlated with differences in altitude among populations of P. hodgsoniae. These candidate genes from population genomics and transcriptomics analysis were enriched for neutrophil degranulation and glycolysis pathways, which are known to respond to hypoxia and hence may contribute to long-term adaptation to high altitudes in P. hodgsoniae. Our results highlight Tibetan Partridges as a useful model to study molecular mechanisms underlying long-term adaptation to high altitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Palacios
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Nan Wang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Megan A Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Lukas Capatosto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Juan Du
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Jiahu Jiang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Qingze Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Nishma Dahal
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP 176061, India
| | - Sangeet Lamichhaney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Brand CM, Colbran LL, Capra JA. Resurrecting the alternative splicing landscape of archaic hominins using machine learning. Nat Ecol Evol 2023; 7:939-953. [PMID: 37142741 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02053-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Alternative splicing contributes to adaptation and divergence in many species. However, it has not been possible to directly compare splicing between modern and archaic hominins. Here, we unmask the recent evolution of this previously unobservable regulatory mechanism by applying SpliceAI, a machine-learning algorithm that identifies splice-altering variants (SAVs), to high-coverage genomes from three Neanderthals and a Denisovan. We discover 5,950 putative archaic SAVs, of which 2,186 are archaic-specific and 3,607 also occur in modern humans via introgression (244) or shared ancestry (3,520). Archaic-specific SAVs are enriched in genes that contribute to traits potentially relevant to hominin phenotypic divergence, such as the epidermis, respiration and spinal rigidity. Compared to shared SAVs, archaic-specific SAVs occur in sites under weaker selection and are more common in genes with tissue-specific expression. Further underscoring the importance of negative selection on SAVs, Neanderthal lineages with low effective population sizes are enriched for SAVs compared to Denisovan and shared SAVs. Finally, we find that nearly all introgressed SAVs in humans were shared across the three Neanderthals, suggesting that older SAVs were more tolerated in human genomes. Our results reveal the splicing landscape of archaic hominins and identify potential contributions of splicing to phenotypic differences among hominins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin M Brand
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Laura L Colbran
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John A Capra
- Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zheng W, He Y, Guo Y, Yue T, Zhang H, Li J, Zhou B, Zeng X, Li L, Wang B, Cao J, Chen L, Li C, Li H, Cui C, Bai C, Qi X, Su B. Large-scale genome sequencing redefines the genetic footprints of high-altitude adaptation in Tibetans. Genome Biol 2023; 24:73. [PMID: 37055782 PMCID: PMC10099689 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-023-02912-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tibetans are genetically adapted to high-altitude environments. Though many studies have been conducted, the genetic basis of the adaptation remains elusive due to the poor reproducibility for detecting selective signatures in the Tibetan genomes. RESULTS Here, we present whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of 1001 indigenous Tibetans, covering the major populated areas of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in China. We identify 35 million variants, and more than one-third of them are novel variants. Utilizing the large-scale WGS data, we construct a comprehensive map of allele frequency and linkage disequilibrium and provide a population-specific genome reference panel, referred to as 1KTGP. Moreover, with the use of a combined approach, we redefine the signatures of Darwinian-positive selection in the Tibetan genomes, and we characterize a high-confidence list of 4320 variants and 192 genes that have undergone selection in Tibetans. In particular, we discover four new genes, TMEM132C, ATP13A3, SANBR, and KHDRBS2, with strong signals of selection, and they may account for the adaptation of cardio-pulmonary functions in Tibetans. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis indicate that the 192 genes with selective signatures are likely involved in multiple organs and physiological systems, suggesting polygenic and pleiotropic effects. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the large-scale Tibetan WGS data and the identified adaptive variants/genes can serve as a valuable resource for future genetic and medical studies of high-altitude populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangshan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yaoxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Yongbo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Tian Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Jun Li
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuerui Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Liya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Jingxin Cao
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Li Chen
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Chaoying Cui
- High Altitude Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Tibetan University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Caijuan Bai
- High Altitude Medical Research Center, School of Medicine, Tibetan University, Lhasa, 850000, China
| | - Xuebin Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
- Fukang Obstetrics, Gynecology and Children Branch Hospital, Tibetan Fukang Hospital, Lhasa, 850000, China.
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Samaja M, Ottolenghi S. The Oxygen Cascade from Atmosphere to Mitochondria as a Tool to Understand the (Mal)adaptation to Hypoxia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043670. [PMID: 36835089 PMCID: PMC9960749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a life-threatening challenge for about 1% of the world population, as well as a contributor to high morbidity and mortality scores in patients affected by various cardiopulmonary, hematological, and circulatory diseases. However, the adaptation to hypoxia represents a failure for a relevant portion of the cases as the pathways of potential adaptation often conflict with well-being and generate diseases that in certain areas of the world still afflict up to one-third of the populations living at altitude. To help understand the mechanisms of adaptation and maladaptation, this review examines the various steps of the oxygen cascade from the atmosphere to the mitochondria distinguishing the patterns related to physiological (i.e., due to altitude) and pathological (i.e., due to a pre-existing disease) hypoxia. The aim is to assess the ability of humans to adapt to hypoxia in a multidisciplinary approach that correlates the function of genes, molecules, and cells with the physiologic and pathological outcomes. We conclude that, in most cases, it is not hypoxia by itself that generates diseases, but rather the attempts to adapt to the hypoxia condition. This underlies the paradigm shift that when adaptation to hypoxia becomes excessive, it translates into maladaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Samaja
- MAGI GROUP, San Felice del Benaco, 25010 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Sara Ottolenghi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nishimura T, Arima H, Koirala S, Ito H, Yamamoto T. Individual variations and sex differences in hemodynamics and percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) in Tibetan highlanders of Tsarang in the Mustang district of Nepal. J Physiol Anthropol 2022; 41:9. [PMID: 35292118 PMCID: PMC8925233 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-022-00282-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have indicated specific low-hemoglobin (Hb) adaptation to high altitude in the Tibetan population, but studies focusing on physiological variations within this population are limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between SpO2 and related factors, including individual variations and sex differences, to assess the generality of high-altitude adaptation in the Tibetan population of Tsarang. Methods The participants were 31 male and 41 female community-dwelling people aged ≥18 years living in Tsarang, in the Mustang district of Nepal. Height, weight, SpO2, Hb concentration, finger temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure were measured. Lifestyle information was obtained by interview. Results Men had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (p = 0.002) and Hb (p < 0.001) than women. There was no significant correlation between SpO2 and other parameters in men. In women, SpO2 was negatively correlated with heart rate (p = 0.036), Hb (p = 0.004), and finger temperature (p = 0.037). In multiple regression analysis, a higher SpO2 was marginally correlated with lower age (β = −0.109, p = 0.086) and higher Hb (β = 0.547, p = 0.053) in men. In women, higher SpO2 was significantly correlated with lower heart rate (β = −0.045, p = 0.036) and Hb (β = −0.341, p = 0.018). Mean hemoglobin (95% confidence interval) was 13.6 g/dl (13.1–14.0 g/dl), which is lower than that found previously in Andeans and almost equal to that in Japanese lowlanders measured using the same device. In some participants of both sexes, hemoglobin was >17.0 g/dl. Conclusion Higher SpO2 was marginally correlated with younger age and higher Hb in men and with lower heart rate and lower Hb in women. Hemoglobin concentration was similar to that found previously in lowlanders, but higher in some individuals. These results indicate individual variation and sex differences in the hemodynamics of high-altitude adaptation in Tibetan highlanders of Tsarang, as well as low-Hb adaptation to high altitude equal to that of other Tibetans.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gray OA, Yoo J, Sobreira DR, Jousma J, Witonsky D, Sakabe NJ, Peng YJ, Prabhakar NR, Fang Y, Nobréga MA, Di Rienzo A. A pleiotropic hypoxia-sensitive EPAS1 enhancer is disrupted by adaptive alleles in Tibetans. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eade1942. [PMID: 36417539 PMCID: PMC9683707 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In Tibetans, noncoding alleles in EPAS1-whose protein product hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) drives the response to hypoxia-carry strong signatures of positive selection; however, their functional mechanism has not been systematically examined. Here, we report that high-altitude alleles disrupt the activity of four EPAS1 enhancers in one or more cell types. We further characterize one enhancer (ENH5) whose activity is both allele specific and hypoxia dependent. Deletion of ENH5 results in down-regulation of EPAS1 and HIF-2α targets in acute hypoxia and in a blunting of the transcriptional response to sustained hypoxia. Deletion of ENH5 in mice results in dysregulation of gene expression across multiple tissues. We propose that pleiotropic adaptive effects of the Tibetan alleles in EPAS1 underlie the strong selective signal at this gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A. Gray
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jennifer Yoo
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Institute for Integrative Physiology and Center for Systems Biology of O2 Sensing, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Débora R. Sobreira
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jordan Jousma
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - David Witonsky
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Noboru J. Sakabe
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ying-Jie Peng
- Institute for Integrative Physiology and Center for Systems Biology of O2 Sensing, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nanduri R. Prabhakar
- Institute for Integrative Physiology and Center for Systems Biology of O2 Sensing, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yun Fang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marcelo A. Nobréga
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Anna Di Rienzo
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sharma V, Varshney R, Sethy NK. Human adaptation to high altitude: a review of convergence between genomic and proteomic signatures. Hum Genomics 2022; 16:21. [PMID: 35841113 PMCID: PMC9287971 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-022-00395-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Both genomics- and proteomics-based investigations have identified several essential genes, proteins, and pathways that may facilitate human adaptive genotype/phenotype in a population-specific manner. This comprehensive review provides an up-to-date list of genes and proteins identified for human adaptive responses to high altitudes. Genomics studies for indigenous high-altitude populations like Tibetans, Andeans, Ethiopians, and Sherpas have identified 169 genes under positive natural selection. Similarly, global proteomics studies have identified 258 proteins (± 1.2-fold or more) for Tibetan, Sherpa, and Ladakhi highlanders. The primary biological processes identified for genetic signatures include hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-mediated oxygen sensing, angiogenesis, and erythropoiesis. In contrast, major biological processes identified for proteomics signatures include 14–3-3 mediated sirtuin signaling, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), and integrin signaling. Comparing genetic and protein signatures, we identified 7 common genes/proteins (HBB/hemoglobin subunit beta, TF/serotransferrin, ANGPTL4/angiopoietin-related protein 4, CDC42/cell division control protein 42 homolog, GC/vitamin D-binding protein, IGFBP1/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1, and IGFBP2/insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2) involved in crucial molecular functions like IGF-1 signaling, LXR/RXR activation, ferroptosis signaling, iron homeostasis signaling and regulation of cell cycle. Our combined multi-omics analysis identifies common molecular targets and pathways for human adaptation to high altitude. These observations further corroborate convergent positive selection of hypoxia-responsive molecular pathways in humans and advocate using multi-omics techniques for deciphering human adaptive responses to high altitude.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Sharma
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Rajeev Varshney
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Niroj Kumar Sethy
- Peptide and Proteomics Division, Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu D, Liu Y, Chen W, Shao J, Zhuoma P, Zhao D, Yu Y, Liu T, Yu R, Gan Y, Yuzheng B, Huang Y, Zhang H, Bi X, Tao C, Lai S, Luo Q, Zhang D, Wang H, Zhaxi P, Zhang J, Qiao J, Zeng C. How placenta promotes the successful reproduction in high-altitude populations: a transcriptome comparison between adaptation and acclimatization. Mol Biol Evol 2022; 39:6596365. [PMID: 35642306 PMCID: PMC9206416 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msac120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As the best adapted high altitude population, Tibetans feature a relatively high offspring survival rate. Genome-wide studies have identified hundreds of candidate SNPs related to high altitude adaptation of Tibetans, although most of them have unknown functional relevance. To explore the mechanisms behind successful reproduction at high altitudes, we compared the placental transcriptomes of Tibetans, sea level Hans (SLHan), and Han immigrants (ImHan). Among the three populations, placentas from ImHan showed a hyperactive gene expression pattern. Their increased activation demonstrates a hypoxic stress response similar to sea level individuals experiencing hypoxic conditions. Unlike ImHan, Tibetan placentas were characterized by the significant up-regulation of placenta-specific genes, and the activation of autophagy and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Certain conserved hypoxia response functions, including the antioxidant system and angiogenesis, were activated in both ImHan and Tibetans, but mediated by different genes. The coherence of specific transcriptome features linked to possible genetic contribution was observed in Tibetans. Furthermore, we identified a novel Tibetan-specific EPAS1 isoform with a partial deletion at exon six, which may be involved in the adaption to hypoxia through the EPAS1-centred gene network in the placenta. Overall, our results show that the placenta grants successful pregnancies in Tibetans by strengthening the natural functions of the placenta itself. On the other hand, the placenta of ImHan was in an inhabiting time-dependent acclimatization process representing a common hypoxic stress response pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deng Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunao Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Shao
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pubu Zhuoma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Dexiong Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qinghai Red Cross Hospital, Xining, Qinghai China
| | - Yang Yu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianzi Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruoxuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongna Gan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qinghai Red Cross Hospital, Xining, Qinghai China
| | - Baima Yuzheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Yongshu Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Haikun Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoman Bi
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengcheng Tao
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shujuan Lai
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoxia Luo
- The Third People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Dake Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingcuo Zhaxi
- The Third People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Jianqing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second People's Hospital of Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa, Tibet, China
| | - Jie Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Zeng
- The Key Laboratory of Precision and Genomic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Beijing Institute of Genomics (China National Center for Bioinformation); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu CC, Witonsky D, Gosling A, Lee JH, Ringbauer H, Hagan R, Patel N, Stahl R, Novembre J, Aldenderfer M, Warinner C, Di Rienzo A, Jeong C. Ancient genomes from the Himalayas illuminate the genetic history of Tibetans and their Tibeto-Burman speaking neighbors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1203. [PMID: 35260549 PMCID: PMC8904508 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Present-day Tibetans have adapted both genetically and culturally to the high altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau, but fundamental questions about their origins remain unanswered. Recent archaeological and genetic research suggests the presence of an early population on the Plateau within the past 40 thousand years, followed by the arrival of subsequent groups within the past 10 thousand years. Here, we obtain new genome-wide data for 33 ancient individuals from high elevation sites on the southern fringe of the Tibetan Plateau in Nepal, who we show are most closely related to present-day Tibetans. They derive most of their ancestry from groups related to Late Neolithic populations at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau but also harbor a minor genetic component from a distinct and deep Paleolithic Eurasian ancestry. In contrast to their Tibetan neighbors, present-day non-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman speakers living at mid-elevations along the southern and eastern margins of the Plateau form a genetic cline that reflects a distinct genetic history. Finally, a comparison between ancient and present-day highlanders confirms ongoing positive selection of high altitude adaptive alleles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chun Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - David Witonsky
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Anna Gosling
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Ju Hyeon Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Harald Ringbauer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.,Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Richard Hagan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.,Department of Archaeology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Nisha Patel
- Department of Plant and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73019, USA.,Kintai Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Raphaela Stahl
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - John Novembre
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Mark Aldenderfer
- Department of Anthropology and Heritage Studies, University of California, Merced, CA, 95343, USA.
| | - Christina Warinner
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. .,Department of Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
| | - Anna Di Rienzo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | - Choongwon Jeong
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Beckman EJ, Martins F, Suzuki TA, Bi K, Keeble S, Good JM, Chavez AS, Ballinger MA, Agwamba K, Nachman MW. The genomic basis of high-elevation adaptation in wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) from South America. Genetics 2022; 220:iyab226. [PMID: 34897431 PMCID: PMC9097263 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of environmental adaptation in natural populations is a central goal in evolutionary biology. The conditions at high elevation, particularly the low oxygen available in the ambient air, impose a significant and chronic environmental challenge to metabolically active animals with lowland ancestry. To understand the process of adaptation to these novel conditions and to assess the repeatability of evolution over short timescales, we examined the signature of selection from complete exome sequences of house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) sampled across two elevational transects in the Andes of South America. Using phylogenetic analysis, we show that house mice colonized high elevations independently in Ecuador and Bolivia. Overall, we found distinct responses to selection in each transect and largely nonoverlapping sets of candidate genes, consistent with the complex nature of traits that underlie adaptation to low oxygen availability (hypoxia) in other species. Nonetheless, we also identified a small subset of the genome that appears to be under parallel selection at the gene and SNP levels. In particular, three genes (Col22a1, Fgf14, and srGAP1) bore strong signatures of selection in both transects. Finally, we observed several patterns that were common to both transects, including an excess of derived alleles at high elevation, and a number of hypoxia-associated genes exhibiting a threshold effect, with a large allele frequency change only at the highest elevations. This threshold effect suggests that selection pressures may increase disproportionately at high elevations in mammals, consistent with observations of some high-elevation diseases in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Beckman
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Felipe Martins
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Taichi A Suzuki
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Microbiome Science, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Ke Bi
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sara Keeble
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Good
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Andreas S Chavez
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology and the Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mallory A Ballinger
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kennedy Agwamba
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Michael W Nachman
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bai J, Li L, Li Y, Zhang L. Genetic and immune changes in Tibetan high-altitude populations contribute to biological adaptation to hypoxia. Environ Health Prev Med 2022; 27:39. [PMID: 36244759 PMCID: PMC9640738 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tibetans have lived at very high altitudes for thousands of years, and have a distinctive suite of physiological traits that enable them to tolerate environmental hypoxia. Expanding awareness and knowledge of the differences in hematology, hypoxia-associated genes, immune system of people living at different altitudes and from different ethnic groups may provide evidence for the prevention of mountain sickness. METHOD Ninety-five Han people at mid-altitude, ninety-five Tibetan people at high-altitude and ninety-eight Han people at high-altitude were recruited. Red blood cell parameters, immune cells, the contents of cytokines, hypoxia-associated gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were measured. RESULTS The values of Hematocrit (HCT), Mean cell volume (MCV) and Mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) in red blood cell, immune cell CD19+ B cell number, the levels of cytokines Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ErbB3) and Tumor necrosis factor receptor II (TNF-RII) and the levels of hypoxia-associated factors Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Hypoxia inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) and HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) were decreased, while the frequencies of SNPs in twenty-six Endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) and Egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 1 (EGLN1) were increased in Tibetan people at high-altitude compared with that of Han peoples at high-altitude. Furthermore, compared with mid-altitude individuals, high-altitude individuals showed lower blood cell parameters including Hemoglobin concentration (HGB), HCT, MCV and MCH, higher Mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lower immune cells including CD19+ B cells, CD4+ T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio, higher immune cells containing CD8+ T cells and CD16/56NK cells, decreased Growth regulated oncogene alpha (GROa), Macrophage inflammatory protein 1 beta (MIP-1b), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and increased Thrombomodulin, downregulated hypoxia-associated factors including HIF1α, HIF2α and PHD2, and higher frequency of EGLN1 rs2275279. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that biological adaption to hypoxia at high altitude might have been mediated by changes in immune cells, cytokines, and hypoxia-associated genes during the evolutionary history of Tibetan populations. Furthermore, different responses to high altitude were observed in different ethnic groups, which may provide a useful knowledge to improve the protection of high-altitude populations from mountain sickness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Bai
- Institute of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Hematology, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Institute of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Hematology, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanhong Li
- Institute of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Hematology, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Institute of Hematology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Gansu Key Laboratory of Hematology, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Dingxi People’s Hospital, Dingxi 730500, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Farré X, Espín R, Baiges A, Blommaert E, Kim W, Giannikou K, Herranz C, Román A, Sáez B, Casanova Á, Ancochea J, Valenzuela C, Ussetti P, Laporta R, Rodríguez-Portal JA, van Moorsel CH, van der Vis JJ, Quanjel MJ, Tena-Garitaonaindia M, Sánchez de Medina F, Mateo F, Molina-Molina M, Won S, Kwiatkowski DJ, de Cid R, Pujana MA. Evidence for shared genetic risk factors between lymphangioleiomyomatosis and pulmonary function. ERJ Open Res 2021; 8:00375-2021. [PMID: 35083324 PMCID: PMC8784893 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00375-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionLymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare low-grade metastasising disease characterised by cystic lung destruction. The genetic basis of LAM remains incompletely determined, and the disease cell-of-origin is uncertain. We analysed the possibility of a shared genetic basis between LAM and cancer, and LAM and pulmonary function.MethodsThe results of genome-wide association studies of LAM, 17 cancer types and spirometry measures (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow (PEF)) were analysed for genetic correlations, shared genetic variants and causality. Genomic and transcriptomic data were examined, and immunodetection assays were performed to evaluate pleiotropic genes.ResultsThere were no significant overall genetic correlations between LAM and cancer, but LAM correlated negatively with FVC and PEF, and a trend in the same direction was observed for FEV1. 22 shared genetic variants were uncovered between LAM and pulmonary function, while seven shared variants were identified between LAM and cancer. The LAM-pulmonary function shared genetics identified four pleiotropic genes previously recognised in LAM single-cell transcriptomes: ADAM12, BNC2, NR2F2 and SP5. We had previously associated NR2F2 variants with LAM, and we identified its functional partner NR3C1 as another pleotropic factor. NR3C1 expression was confirmed in LAM lung lesions. Another candidate pleiotropic factor, CNTN2, was found more abundant in plasma of LAM patients than that of healthy women.ConclusionsThis study suggests the existence of a common genetic aetiology between LAM and pulmonary function.
Collapse
|
19
|
Breton G, Johansson ACV, Sjödin P, Schlebusch CM, Jakobsson M. Comparison of sequencing data processing pipelines and application to underrepresented African human populations. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:488. [PMID: 34627144 PMCID: PMC8502359 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Population genetic studies of humans make increasing use of high-throughput sequencing in order to capture diversity in an unbiased way. There is an abundance of sequencing technologies, bioinformatic tools and the available genomes are increasing in number. Studies have evaluated and compared some of these technologies and tools, such as the Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) and its “Best Practices” bioinformatic pipelines. However, studies often focus on a few genomes of Eurasian origin in order to detect technical issues. We instead surveyed the use of the GATK tools and established a pipeline for processing high coverage full genomes from a diverse set of populations, including Sub-Saharan African groups, in order to reveal challenges from human diversity and stratification. Results We surveyed 29 studies using high-throughput sequencing data, and compared their strategies for data pre-processing and variant calling. We found that processing of data is very variable across studies and that the GATK “Best Practices” are seldom followed strictly. We then compared three versions of a GATK pipeline, differing in the inclusion of an indel realignment step and with a modification of the base quality score recalibration step. We applied the pipelines on a diverse set of 28 individuals. We compared the pipelines in terms of count of called variants and overlap of the callsets. We found that the pipelines resulted in similar callsets, in particular after callset filtering. We also ran one of the pipelines on a larger dataset of 179 individuals. We noted that including more individuals at the joint genotyping step resulted in different counts of variants. At the individual level, we observed that the average genome coverage was correlated to the number of variants called. Conclusions We conclude that applying the GATK “Best Practices” pipeline, including their recommended reference datasets, to underrepresented populations does not lead to a decrease in the number of called variants compared to alternative pipelines. We recommend to aim for coverage of > 30X if identifying most variants is important, and to work with large sample sizes at the variant calling stage, also for underrepresented individuals and populations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04407-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenna Breton
- Human Evolution, Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18C, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Anna C V Johansson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Sjödin
- Human Evolution, Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18C, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carina M Schlebusch
- Human Evolution, Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18C, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.,Palaeo-Research Institute, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.,Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mattias Jakobsson
- Human Evolution, Department of Organismal Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18C, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Palaeo-Research Institute, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa. .,Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Beall CM, Childs G, Craig SR, Strohl KP, Quinn E, Basnyat B. Repeatability of adaptive traits among ethnic Tibetan highlanders. Am J Hum Biol 2021; 34:e23670. [PMID: 34424596 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Connecting traits to biological pathways and genes relies on stable observations. Researchers typically determine traits once, expecting careful study protocols to yield measurements free of noise. This report examines that expectation with test-retest repeatability analyses for traits used regularly in research on adaptation to high-altitude hypoxia, often in settings without climate control. METHODS Two hundred ninety-one ethnic Tibetan women residing from 3500 to 4200 m in Upper Mustang District, Nepal, provided three observations of hemoglobin concentration, percent of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin, and pulse by noninvasive pulse oximetry under conditions designed to minimize environmental noise. RESULTS High-intraclass correlation coefficients and low within-subject coefficients of variation reflected consistent measurements. Percent of oxygen saturation had the highest intraclass correlation coefficient and the smallest within-subject coefficient of variability; measurement noise occurred mainly in the lower values. Hemoglobin concentration and pulse presented slightly higher within-subject coefficients of variation; measurement noise occurred across the range of values. The women had performed the same measurements 7 years earlier using the same devices and protocol. The sample means and SD observed across 7 years differed little. Hemoglobin concentration increased substantially after menopause. CONCLUSIONS Analyzing repeatability features of traits may improve our interpretation of statistical analyses and detection of variation from measurement or biology. The high levels of measurement repeatability and biological stability support the continued use of these robust traits for investigating human adaptation in this altitude range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia M Beall
- Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Geoff Childs
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sienna R Craig
- Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kingman P Strohl
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Elizabeth Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wilsterman K, Cheviron ZA. Fetal growth, high altitude, and evolutionary adaptation: a new perspective. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2021; 321:R279-R294. [PMID: 34259046 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00067.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Residence at high altitude is consistently associated with low birthweight among placental mammals. This reduction in birthweight influences long-term health trajectories for both the offspring and mother. However, the physiological processes that contribute to fetal growth restriction at altitude are still poorly understood, and thus our ability to safely intervene remains limited. One approach to identify the factors that mitigate altitude-dependent fetal growth restriction is to study populations that are protected from fetal growth restriction through evolutionary adaptations (e.g., high altitude-adapted populations). Here, we examine human gestational physiology at high altitude from a novel evolutionary perspective that focuses on patterns of physiological plasticity, allowing us to identify 1) the contribution of specific physiological systems to fetal growth restriction and 2) the mechanisms that confer protection in highland-adapted populations. Using this perspective, our review highlights two general findings: first, that the beneficial value of plasticity in maternal physiology is often dependent on factors more proximate to the fetus; and second, that our ability to understand the contributions of these proximate factors is currently limited by thin data from altitude-adapted populations. Expanding the comparative scope of studies on gestational physiology at high altitude and integrating studies of both maternal and fetal physiology are needed to clarify the mechanisms by which physiological responses to altitude contribute to fetal growth outcomes. The relevance of these questions to clinical, agricultural, and basic research combined with the breadth of the unknown highlight gestational physiology at high altitude as an exciting niche for continued work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Wilsterman
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| | - Zachary A Cheviron
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Liu H, Tenzing N, van Patot MT, Qile M, Ge RL, Wuren T. Enhanced Placental Mitochondrial Respiration in Tibetan Women at High Altitude. Front Physiol 2021; 12:697022. [PMID: 34335303 PMCID: PMC8317222 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.697022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Living at high altitudes is extremely challenging as it entails exposure to hypoxia, low temperatures, and high levels of UV radiation. However, the Tibetan population has adapted to such conditions on both a physiological and genetic level over 30,000–40,000 years. It has long been speculated that fetal growth restriction is caused by abnormal placental development. We previously demonstrated that placentas from high-altitude Tibetans were protected from oxidative stress induced by labor compared to those of European descent. However, little is known about how placental mitochondria change during high-altitude adaptation. In this study, we aimed to uncover the mechanism of such adaptation by studying the respiratory function of the placental mitochondria of high-altitude Tibetans, lower-altitude Tibetans, and lower-altitude Chinese Han. We discovered that mitochondrial respiration was greater in high-altitude than in lower-altitude Tibetans in terms of OXPHOS via complexes I and I+II, ETSmax capacity, and non-phosphorylating respiration, whereas non-ETS respiration, LEAK/ETS, and OXPHOS via complex IV did not differ. Respiration in lower-altitude Tibetans and Han was similar for all tested respiratory states. Placentas from high-altitude Tibetan women were protected from acute ischemic/hypoxic insult induced by labor, and increased mitochondrial respiration may represent an acute response that induces mitochondrial adaptations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Liu
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Noryung Tenzing
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | | | - Muge Qile
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Ri-Li Ge
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Tana Wuren
- Research Center for High Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China.,Key Laboratory for Application of High-Altitude Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bittner NKJ, Mack KL, Nachman MW. Gene expression plasticity and desert adaptation in house mice. Evolution 2021; 75:1477-1491. [PMID: 33458812 PMCID: PMC8218737 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how organisms adapt to new environments is a key problem in evolution, yet it remains unclear whether phenotypic plasticity generally facilitates or hinders this process. Here we studied evolved and plastic responses to water-stress in lab-born descendants of wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) collected from desert and non-desert environments and measured gene expression and organismal phenotypes under control and water-stressed conditions. After many generations in the lab, desert mice consumed significantly less water than mice from other localities, indicating that this difference has a genetic basis. Under water-stress, desert mice maintained more weight than non-desert mice, and exhibited differences in blood chemistry related to osmoregulatory function. Gene expression in the kidney revealed evolved differences between mice from different environments as well as plastic responses between hydrated and dehydrated mice. Desert mice showed reduced expression plasticity under water-stress compared to non-desert mice. Importantly, non-desert mice under water-stress generally showed shifts toward desert-like expression, consistent with adaptive plasticity. Finally, we identify several co-expression modules linked to phenotypes of interest. These findings provide evidence for local adaptation after a recent invasion and suggest that adaptive plasticity may have facilitated colonization of the desert environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noëlle K J Bittner
- Deparment of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
| | - Katya L Mack
- Deparment of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, 94305
| | - Michael W Nachman
- Deparment of Integrative Biology and Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, 94720
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
HIF-1 directly induces TET3 expression to enhance 5-hmC density and induce erythroid gene expression in hypoxia. Blood Adv 2021; 4:3053-3062. [PMID: 32634239 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, cytosines found within cytosine guanine dinucleotides can be methylated to 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) by DNA methyltransferases and further oxidized by the Ten-eleven translocation dioxygenase (TET) enzymes to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC). We have previously shown that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) with TET2 mutations have aberrant 5-hmC distribution and less erythroid differentiation potential. However, these experiments were performed under standard tissue culture conditions with 21% oxygen (O2), whereas HSPCs in human bone marrow reside in ∼1% O2. Therefore, to model human erythropoiesis more accurately, we compared 5-hmC distribution and gene expression in hypoxic vs normoxic conditions. Despite TET enzymes having limited O2 as a substrate in hypoxia, 5-hmC peaks were more numerous and pronounced than in normoxia. Among the TET genes, TET3 was upregulated specifically in hypoxia. We identified 2 HIF-1 binding sites in TET3 by chromatin immunoprecipitation of HIF-1α followed by sequencing, and TET3 upregulation was abrogated with deletion of both sites, indicating that TET3 is a direct HIF-1 target. Finally, we showed that loss of one or both of these HIF-1 binding sites in K562 cells disrupted erythroid differentiation in hypoxia and lowered cell viability. This work provides a molecular link between O2 availability, epigenetic modification of chromatin, and erythroid differentiation.
Collapse
|
25
|
Storz JF. High-Altitude Adaptation: Mechanistic Insights from Integrated Genomics and Physiology. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:2677-2691. [PMID: 33751123 PMCID: PMC8233491 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msab064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Population genomic analyses of high-altitude humans and other vertebrates have identified numerous candidate genes for hypoxia adaptation, and the physiological pathways implicated by such analyses suggest testable hypotheses about underlying mechanisms. Studies of highland natives that integrate genomic data with experimental measures of physiological performance capacities and subordinate traits are revealing associations between genotypes (e.g., hypoxia-inducible factor gene variants) and hypoxia-responsive phenotypes. The subsequent search for causal mechanisms is complicated by the fact that observed genotypic associations with hypoxia-induced phenotypes may reflect second-order consequences of selection-mediated changes in other (unmeasured) traits that are coupled with the focal trait via feedback regulation. Manipulative experiments to decipher circuits of feedback control and patterns of phenotypic integration can help identify causal relationships that underlie observed genotype–phenotype associations. Such experiments are critical for correct inferences about phenotypic targets of selection and mechanisms of adaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay F Storz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Throughout human history, large-scale migrations have facilitated the formation of populations with ancestry from multiple previously separated populations. This process leads to subsequent shuffling of genetic ancestry through recombination, producing variation in ancestry between populations, among individuals in a population, and along the genome within an individual. Recent methodological and empirical developments have elucidated the genomic signatures of this admixture process, bringing previously understudied admixed populations to the forefront of population and medical genetics. Under this theme, we present a collection of recent PLOS Genetics publications that exemplify recent progress in human genetic admixture studies, and we discuss potential areas for future work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine L. Korunes
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Amy Goldberg
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
Population genomic studies of humans and other animals at high altitude have generated many hypotheses about the genes and pathways that may have contributed to hypoxia adaptation. Future advances require experimental tests of such hypotheses to identify causal mechanisms. Studies to date illustrate the challenge of moving from lists of candidate genes to the identification of phenotypic targets of selection, as it can be difficult to determine whether observed genotype-phenotype associations reflect causal effects or secondary consequences of changes in other traits that are linked via homeostatic regulation. Recent work on high-altitude models such as deer mice has revealed both plastic and evolved changes in respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic traits that contribute to aerobic performance capacity in hypoxia, and analyses of tissue-specific transcriptomes have identified changes in regulatory networks that mediate adaptive changes in physiological phenotype. Here we synthesize recent results and discuss lessons learned from studies of high-altitude adaptation that lie at the intersection of genomics and physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay F Storz
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588, USA;
| | - Zachary A Cheviron
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana 59812, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tana W, Noryung T, Burton GJ, van Patot MT, Ri-Li G. Protective Effects from the Ischemic/Hypoxic Stress Induced by Labor in the High-Altitude Tibetan Placenta. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:659-664. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00443-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
29
|
Arima H, Nakano M, Koirala S, Ito H, Pandey BD, Pandey K, Wada T, Yamamoto T. Unique hemoglobin dynamics in female Tibetan highlanders. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:2. [PMID: 33397517 PMCID: PMC7780399 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00289-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tibetan highlanders have adapted to hypoxic environments through the development of unique mechanisms that suppress an increase in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration even in high-altitude areas. Hb concentrations generally decrease with increasing age. However, in the highlands, chronic altitude sickness is known to occur in the elderly population. To investigate how aging in a hypoxic environment affects Hb levels in Tibetan highlanders, we focused on the Mustang people, who live above 3500 m. We tried to clarify the pure relationship between aging and Hb levels in a hypoxic environment. RESULTS We found that the Hb concentration increased with increasing age in females but not in males. Multivariate analysis showed that age, pulse pressure, the poverty index, and vascular diameter were strongly correlated with the Hb concentration. CONCLUSIONS We found unique Hb dynamics among female Tibetan highlanders. As seen in these Hb dynamics, there may be sex-based differences in the adaptive mechanism in Tibetan highlanders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Arima
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masayuki Nakano
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kochi Gakuen University, Kochi, Japan
| | | | - Hiromu Ito
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Basu Dev Pandey
- Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Kishor Pandey
- Everest International Clinic and Research Center, Kathmandu, Nepal.,Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Lalitpur, Nepal
| | - Takayuki Wada
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan.,Graduate School of Human Life Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taro Yamamoto
- Department of International Health and Medical Anthropology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan. .,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan. .,Leading Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Deng L, Zhang C, Yuan K, Gao Y, Pan Y, Ge X, He Y, Yuan Y, Lu Y, Zhang X, Chen H, Lou H, Wang X, Lu D, Liu J, Tian L, Feng Q, Khan A, Yang Y, Jin ZB, Yang J, Lu F, Qu J, Kang L, Su B, Xu S. Prioritizing natural-selection signals from the deep-sequencing genomic data suggests multi-variant adaptation in Tibetan highlanders. Natl Sci Rev 2019; 6:1201-1222. [PMID: 34691999 PMCID: PMC8291452 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwz108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human genetic adaptation to high altitudes (>2500 m) has been extensively studied over the last few years, but few functional adaptive genetic variants have been identified, largely owing to the lack of deep-genome sequencing data available to previous studies. Here, we build a list of putative adaptive variants, including 63 missense, 7 loss-of-function, 1,298 evolutionarily conserved variants and 509 expression quantitative traits loci. Notably, the top signal of selection is located in TMEM247, a transmembrane protein-coding gene. The Tibetan version of TMEM247 harbors one high-frequency (76.3%) missense variant, rs116983452 (c.248C > T; p.Ala83Val), with the T allele derived from archaic ancestry and carried by >94% of Tibetans but absent or in low frequencies (<3%) in non-Tibetan populations. The rs116983452-T is strongly and positively correlated with altitude and significantly associated with reduced hemoglobin concentration (p = 5.78 × 10-5), red blood cell count (p = 5.72 × 10-7) and hematocrit (p = 2.57 × 10-6). In particular, TMEM247-rs116983452 shows greater effect size and better predicts the phenotypic outcome than any EPAS1 variants in association with adaptive traits in Tibetans. Modeling the interaction between TMEM247-rs116983452 and EPAS1 variants indicates weak but statistically significant epistatic effects. Our results support that multiple variants may jointly deliver the fitness of the Tibetans on the plateau, where a complex model is needed to elucidate the adaptive evolution mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lian Deng
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuwen Pan
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xueling Ge
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yaoxi He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Haiyi Lou
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xiaoji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dongsheng Lu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jiaojiao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qidi Feng
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Asifullah Khan
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yajun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Ministry of Education (MOE) Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zi-Bing Jin
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jian Yang
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou 325027, China
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Fan Lu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Jia Qu
- The Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, China National Center for International Research in Regenerative Medicine and Neurogenetics, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Longli Kang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
| | - Shuhua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nu-trition and Health, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Shanghai 200438, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bhandari S, Cavalleri GL. Population History and Altitude-Related Adaptation in the Sherpa. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1116. [PMID: 31555147 PMCID: PMC6722185 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The first ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 brought global attention to the Sherpa people and human performance at altitude. The Sherpa inhabit the Khumbu Valley of Nepal, and are descendants of a population that has resided continuously on the Tibetan plateau for the past ∼25,000 to 40,000 years. The long exposure of the Sherpa to an inhospitable environment has driven genetic selection and produced distinct adaptive phenotypes. This review summarizes the population history of the Sherpa and their physiological and genetic adaptation to hypoxia. Genomic studies have identified robust signals of positive selection across EPAS1, EGLN1, and PPARA, that are associated with hemoglobin levels, which likely protect the Sherpa from altitude sickness. However, the biological underpinnings of other adaptive phenotypes such as birth weight and the increased reproductive success of Sherpa women are unknown. Further studies are required to identify additional signatures of selection and refine existing Sherpa-specific adaptive phenotypes to understand how genetic factors have underpinned adaptation in this population. By correlating known and emerging signals of genetic selection with adaptive phenotypes, we can further reveal hypoxia-related biological mechanisms of adaptation. Ultimately this work could provide valuable information regarding treatments of hypoxia-related illnesses including stroke, heart failure, lung disease and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushil Bhandari
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gianpiero L Cavalleri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The overlooked significance of plasma volume for successful adaptation to high altitude in Sherpa and Andean natives. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:16177-16179. [PMID: 31358634 PMCID: PMC6697886 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1909002116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to Andean natives, high-altitude Tibetans present with a lower hemoglobin concentration that correlates with reproductive success and exercise capacity. Decades of physiological and genomic research have assumed that the lower hemoglobin concentration in Himalayan natives results from a blunted erythropoietic response to hypoxia (i.e., no increase in total hemoglobin mass). In contrast, herein we test the hypothesis that the lower hemoglobin concentration is the result of greater plasma volume, rather than an absence of increased hemoglobin production. We assessed hemoglobin mass, plasma volume and blood volume in lowlanders at sea level, lowlanders acclimatized to high altitude, Himalayan Sherpa, and Andean Quechua, and explored the functional relevance of volumetric hematological measures to exercise capacity. Hemoglobin mass was highest in Andeans, but also was elevated in Sherpa compared with lowlanders. Sherpa demonstrated a larger plasma volume than Andeans, resulting in a comparable total blood volume at a lower hemoglobin concentration. Hemoglobin mass was positively related to exercise capacity in lowlanders at sea level and in Sherpa at high altitude, but not in Andean natives. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a unique adaptation in Sherpa that reorientates attention away from hemoglobin concentration and toward a paradigm where hemoglobin mass and plasma volume may represent phenotypes with adaptive significance at high altitude.
Collapse
|
33
|
Witt KE, Huerta-Sánchez E. Convergent evolution in human and domesticate adaptation to high-altitude environments. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180235. [PMID: 31154977 PMCID: PMC6560271 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans and their domestic animals have lived and thrived in high-altitude environments worldwide for thousands of years. These populations have developed a number of adaptations to survive in a hypoxic environment, and several genomic studies have been conducted to identify the genes that drive these adaptations. Here, we discuss the various adaptations and genetic variants that have been identified as adaptive in human and domestic animal populations and the ways in which convergent evolution has occurred as these populations have adapted to high-altitude environments. We found that human and domesticate populations have adapted to hypoxic environments in similar ways. Specific genes and biological pathways have been involved in high-altitude adaptation for multiple populations, although the specific variants differ between populations. Additionally, we found that the gene EPAS1 is often a target of selection in hypoxic environments and has been involved in multiple adaptive introgression events. High-altitude environments exert strong selective pressures, and human and animal populations have evolved in convergent ways to cope with a chronic lack of oxygen. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Convergent evolution in the genomics era: new insights and directions'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Witt
- 1 Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California-Merced , 5200 Lake Road., Merced, CA 95340 , USA
| | - Emilia Huerta-Sánchez
- 1 Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California-Merced , 5200 Lake Road., Merced, CA 95340 , USA.,2 Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Brown University , Box G-W, 80 Waterman Street, Providence, RI 02912 , USA.,3 Center for Computational Biology, Brown University , Box G-W, 115 Waterman Street., Providence, RI 02912 , USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Congenital and evolutionary modulations of hypoxia sensing and their erythroid phenotype. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
35
|
Gnecchi-Ruscone GA, Abondio P, De Fanti S, Sarno S, Sherpa MG, Sherpa PT, Marinelli G, Natali L, Di Marcello M, Peluzzi D, Luiselli D, Pettener D, Sazzini M. Evidence of Polygenic Adaptation to High Altitude from Tibetan and Sherpa Genomes. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:2919-2930. [PMID: 30335146 PMCID: PMC6239493 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Tibetans and Sherpa present several physiological adjustments evolved to cope with selective pressures imposed by the high-altitude environment, especially hypobaric hypoxia, few selective sweeps at a limited number of hypoxia related genes were confirmed by multiple genomic studies. Nevertheless, variants at these loci were found to be associated only with downregulation of the erythropoietic cascade, which represents an indirect aspect of the considered adaptive phenotype. Accordingly, the genetic basis of Tibetan/Sherpa adaptive traits remains to be fully elucidated, in part due to limitations of selection scans implemented so far and mostly relying on the hard sweep model. In order to overcome this issue, we used whole-genome sequence data and several selection statistics as input for gene network analyses aimed at testing for the occurrence of polygenic adaptation in these high-altitude Himalayan populations. Being able to detect also subtle genomic signatures ascribable to weak positive selection at multiple genes of the same functional subnetwork, this approach allowed us to infer adaptive evolution at loci individually showing small effect sizes, but belonging to highly interconnected biological pathways overall involved in angiogenetic processes. Therefore, these findings pinpointed a series of selective events neglected so far, which likely contributed to the augmented tissue blood perfusion observed in Tibetans and Sherpa, thus uncovering the genetic determinants of a key biological mechanism that underlies their adaptation to high altitude.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guido A Gnecchi-Ruscone
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Abondio
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara De Fanti
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Sarno
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luca Natali
- Explora Nunaat International, Montorio al Vomano, Teramo, Italy.,Italian Institute of Human Paleontology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Davide Peluzzi
- Explora Nunaat International, Montorio al Vomano, Teramo, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Davide Pettener
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Sazzini
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology & Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|