Population genomics Reveals PRDM16 underpins the cold tolerance in
domestic Cattle
Abstract
Environmental temperature serves a major driver for adaptive changes in
wild organisms, however, its role in domestication has been less
characterized. To uncover the mechanisms of cold tolerance in domestic
animals, we sequenced genomes of 28 cattle at median coverage from warm
and cold areas across China. By characterizing the population structure
and demographic history, we identified two genetic clusters, i.e.,
northern and southern cattle groups, and a common historic population
peak at 30 kilo years ago. Genome scan of cold tolerant breeds revealed
genes that under selection sweeps enriched in thermogenesis related
pathways. Specifically, we determined a substitution of PRDM16 (p.P779L)
in north cattle, which maintains the formation of brown adipocytes
through boosting expression of thermogenic related genes, indicating a
vital role of this gene in cold tolerance. The findings provide a basis
of genetic variations in domestic cattle that shaped by temperature
environments and highlight a role of reverse mutation in livestock
species.