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Title: High-Altitude Adaptation: Mechanistic Insights from Integrated Genomics and Physiology
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.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1736249
NSF-PAR ID:
10283509
Author(s) / Creator(s):
Editor(s):
Nielsen, Rasmus
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Molecular Biology and Evolution
Volume:
38
Issue:
7
ISSN:
1537-1719
Page Range / eLocation ID:
2677 to 2691
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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