Abstract
The genome of dromedary camels has been subjected to various evolutionary forces, such as genetic admixture, natural positive selection, and epistatic selection. These forces are considered as main factors associated with the formation of long-range linkage disequilibrium (LRLD) events. We have analyzed whole-genome data of 56 dromedary camel samples from different geographical regions across the Arabian Peninsula for two main purposes: first, to assess the level of linkage disequilibrium, and second, to identify autosomal LRLD events. The analysis revealed a mean r2 value of 0.25 (±0.028) over the dromedary autosomes, with a continuous decay until reaching a plateau at inter-variant distances >400 kb. A total of 1847 LRLD events were identified within the dromedary autosomes, which harbor 36 prevalent haplotypes. A level of genetic admixture was observed among the dromedary populations analyzed, which might be a source for the observed LRLD events. Four functional interactions were revealed among the genes found within the LRLD events, with some genes overlapping with prevalent haplotypes, indicative of potential epistatic selection. Genes related to renal function, fertility, thermal regulation, bone structure, and insulin regulation were found among the LRLD genes. These genes, along with the defined prevalent haplotypes, can be considered as hotspots for natural positive selection associated with the LRLD distribution on dromedary genomes. In this study, we have for the first time analyzed the genome of dromedary camels for LRLD events possibly influenced by forces including genetic admixture, epistatic and positive selection. The revealed LRLD elements and prevalent haplotypes should be accounted for when designing breeding programmes to conserve the genetic stock of this well-adapted domestic species.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.