Comparative genomics reveals common diversity and adaptation to harsh environments in the Arabian Peninsula indigenous chickens

• DOI: 10.1111/age.70014
• Publication Date: 2025-05-02T12:12:59Z
• Authors: Abdulwahad Assiri; Adriana Vallejo‐T...; Mohammed Al‐Abri; Hussain Bahbahani; Faisal Almathen; Abulgasim Ahbara; Waleed Al Marzooqi; Abdulfatai Tijjani; Raman Lawal; Olivier Hanotte
• Keywords: Local adaptation

Abstract Identifying genomic regions under selection is crucial for comprehending the evolutionary history of domestic chicken. Arabian Peninsula (AP) indigenous chickens are mostly found outdoors, being reared alongside other livestock production purposes. These birds show high resilience to extreme temperatures (hot and cold), typical desert environment. The pressures responsible unique local adaptations in these remain largely unidentified. Here, we aimed investigate genome diversity structure 15 chicken populations including 13 from AP ( n = 5), Ethiopia 6), People's Republic China 2). We also included two commercial populations, Fayoumi (selected heat tolerance) Chantecler (known its cold tolerance). Principal component (PC) analysis separated all based on their geographic areas origin. PC1 separates Ethiopian Chinese while PC2 Chantecler, Dulong Chantecler. genome‐wide signatures analyses identified many candidate positive selection. They include genes that may be associated with thermotolerance. involved energy balance metabolism SUGCT , HECW1 MMADHC ), cells apoptosis APP SRBD1 NTN1 PUF60 SLC26A8 DAP angiogenesis RYR2 LDB2 SOX5 skin protection solar radiation FZD10 BCO2 WNT5B COL6A2 SIRT1 ) as well growth NELL1 ). Our findings suggest have a distinct gene pool polymorphism relation adaptation harsh climatic environments AP.