Data from: Genetic diversity and population structure of the Taigan dog breed

The Taigan is an ancient sighthound breed native to the Tien Shan
Mountains in Kyrgyzstan and adapted to hunting at high altitudes and in
rough terrain. Previous studies have provided insights into its
phylogenetic relationships, but more data are needed to determine whether
the Taigan is genetically distinct from  related sighthounds. In
this study, we conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis using short
tandem repeat (STR) markers and high-density single nucleotide
polymorphism (SNP) array data to assess genetic diversity, population
structure, and differentiation from other sighthound breeds. The analysis
showed high polymorphism and an excess of heterozygosity (F = -0.013),
indicating a balanced genetic structure. Bayesian clustering identified
five genetic clusters among the Taigans, with no dominant lineage,
suggesting a diverse gene pool. PCA and ADMIXTURE assigned the Taigan to
the eastern sighthound group, closely clustered with the Kazakh Tazy. Fst
analysis identified 95 significant variants between the Taigan and the
Kazakh Tazy. Functional annotation revealed enrichment in three signaling
pathways: axon guidance, ABC transporter and basal cell carcinoma,
indicating genetic differences related to neuronal development,
detoxification and epidemal adaptation. These results provide new insights
into the genetic traits of the Taigan and suggest that despite its close
relationship with the Kazakh Tazy and Afghan Hound, selection pressure,
geographic isolation and historical breeding practices may have
contributed to its differentiation. Further studies with larger data sets
are needed to determine the genetic divergence between the Taigan and the
Kazakh Tazy.