Whole genome resequencing-based analysis of plateau adaptation in Meiren yak (Bos grunniens)

The Meiren yak is an important genetic resource in Gansu Province, China. In this study, we aimed to explore the evolutionary history and population structure of the genetic resource of Meiren yak and to mine the characteristic genes of Meiren yak. We analysed a total of 93 yaks of eight yak breeds based on whole genome resequencing combined with population genomics and used θπ ratio and Fst method to screen the selected sites in the genome region. The results proved that Meiren yak can be used as a potential genetic resource in Gansu Province. The genes in Meiren yak with positive selection in selection signal analysis were subjected to the Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses, which indicated that the genes were related to the adaptability to high altitude and hypoxic environment. By analysing the genetic variation of Meiren yak at the genome-wide level, this study provided a theoretical basis for genetic improvement of Meiren yak and for the development of high-quality yak resources.

美仁牦牛（Meiren yak）是中国甘肃省重要的遗传资源。本研究旨在解析该遗传资源的演化历史与种群结构，并挖掘美仁牦牛的特征性基因。研究基于全基因组重测序技术结合群体基因组学方法，对8个牦牛品种共计93头牦牛进行分析，并采用θπ比值与Fst方法筛选基因组区域内的受选择位点。结果证实，美仁牦牛可作为甘肃省极具开发潜力的遗传资源。对选择信号分析中筛选出的美仁牦牛正选择基因，开展基因本体（Gene Ontology，GO）与京都基因与基因组百科全书（Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes，KEGG）功能富集分析，结果显示这些基因与高海拔及低氧环境适应性密切相关。本研究通过全基因组层面解析美仁牦牛的遗传变异，为美仁牦牛的遗传改良以及优质牦牛种质资源的开发利用提供了理论依据。