Exploring climate adaptation in European Merino sheep: a landscape genomics approach

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Environmental Science
• Animal Science

Background:

• Livestock adaptation to climate change is crucial.
• Sheep (Ovis aries), particularly Merino breeds, are ideal models for studying local adaptation due to their global distribution and diverse traits.
• Understanding the genetic basis of adaptation in sheep is vital for sustainable wool production and livestock management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the landscape genomics of European Merino sheep populations.
• To identify genetic associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and bioclimatic variables.
• To uncover genes and genomic regions involved in environmental adaptation in sheep.

Main Methods:

• Genomic analysis of 24 European Merino sheep populations using 50K SNP chip data (38,381 SNPs, 736 animals).
• Association analysis between genotype data and 19 bioclimatic variables using BayPass software.
• Gene Ontology enrichment analysis to identify functional pathways and candidate genes.

Main Results:

• 168 outlier SNPs and 232 associated genes were detected.
• Isothermality (temperature variation) showed the most significant genomic associations.
• Genomic regions on chromosomes 1 and 14 exhibited extreme Bayes Factors, with key genes like STAT1, COL11A1, and COL6A3 identified.

Conclusions:

• The study identified specific genomic regions and genes potentially driving environmental adaptation in Merino sheep.
• Findings suggest roles for identified genes in thermoregulation, hair follicle development, and adaptation to varying climates.
• This research provides insights into the genetic architecture of adaptation in a globally important livestock breed.