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239: Genomic Adaptations of the Svalbard Reindeer
️ Episode 239: Genomic Adaptations of the Svalbard Reindeer
In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore Comparative whole-genome analyses identify 150 differentiated genomic regions and candidate genes linked to fat metabolism, energy conservation, cold tolerance, reduced body size, fur morphology, and circadian rhythm that likely underpin Svalbard reindeer adaptation to the High Arctic
Study Highlights:
The authors sequenced and analyzed 62 reindeer genomes from Svalbard, mainland Norway, mainland Russia, and Novaya Zemlya using three complementary approaches: population branch statistic scans, annotation of high-frequency derived coding variants, and copy number variant analysis. They identified 150 genomic regions with 120 annotated candidate genes enriched for functions related to methylglyoxal metabolism, DNA repair, transport, metabolism, and microtubule extension. Candidate genes and structural variants implicate pathways for fat storage and fasting endurance, insulin and leptin-related energy regulation, brown adipose thermogenesis, fur and skin development, eye and circadian function, and genes associated with reduced body and limb size. Results show no single gene set detected by all methods, indicating a complex genomic architecture where selection, drift from historical bottlenecks, and structural variation contribute to the Svalbard phenotype.
Conclusion:
Multiple genomic regions and candidate genes involved in energy metabolism, thermoregulation, and morphology show putative signatures of adaptation that likely enabled Svalbard reindeer to persist in the High Arctic despite low genetic diversity
Music:
Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode.
Reference:
Dussex N, Ersmark E, Hansen BB, Bieker VC, Sun X, Le Moullec M, Røed KH, Speakman JR, Loe LE, Dalén L, Martin MD. The Genomic Basis of the Svalbard Reindeer’s Adaptation to an Extreme Arctic Environment. Genome Biol Evol. 2025;17(9):evaf160. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evaf160
License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support:
Base by Base – Stripe donations: https://donate.stripe.com/7sY4gz71B2sN3RWac5gEg00
Official website https://basebybase.com
Castos player https://basebybase.castos.com
On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics.
Keywords: Svalbard reindeer, genomics, adaptation, thermoregulation, energy metabolism
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By Gustavo Barra️ Episode 239: Genomic Adaptations of the Svalbard Reindeer
In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore Comparative whole-genome analyses identify 150 differentiated genomic regions and candidate genes linked to fat metabolism, energy conservation, cold tolerance, reduced body size, fur morphology, and circadian rhythm that likely underpin Svalbard reindeer adaptation to the High Arctic
Study Highlights:
The authors sequenced and analyzed 62 reindeer genomes from Svalbard, mainland Norway, mainland Russia, and Novaya Zemlya using three complementary approaches: population branch statistic scans, annotation of high-frequency derived coding variants, and copy number variant analysis. They identified 150 genomic regions with 120 annotated candidate genes enriched for functions related to methylglyoxal metabolism, DNA repair, transport, metabolism, and microtubule extension. Candidate genes and structural variants implicate pathways for fat storage and fasting endurance, insulin and leptin-related energy regulation, brown adipose thermogenesis, fur and skin development, eye and circadian function, and genes associated with reduced body and limb size. Results show no single gene set detected by all methods, indicating a complex genomic architecture where selection, drift from historical bottlenecks, and structural variation contribute to the Svalbard phenotype.
Conclusion:
Multiple genomic regions and candidate genes involved in energy metabolism, thermoregulation, and morphology show putative signatures of adaptation that likely enabled Svalbard reindeer to persist in the High Arctic despite low genetic diversity
Music:
Enjoy the music based on this article at the end of the episode.
Reference:
Dussex N, Ersmark E, Hansen BB, Bieker VC, Sun X, Le Moullec M, Røed KH, Speakman JR, Loe LE, Dalén L, Martin MD. The Genomic Basis of the Svalbard Reindeer’s Adaptation to an Extreme Arctic Environment. Genome Biol Evol. 2025;17(9):evaf160. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evaf160
License:
This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support:
Base by Base – Stripe donations: https://donate.stripe.com/7sY4gz71B2sN3RWac5gEg00
Official website https://basebybase.com
Castos player https://basebybase.castos.com
On PaperCast Base by Base you’ll discover the latest in genomics, functional genomics, structural genomics, and proteomics.
Keywords: Svalbard reindeer, genomics, adaptation, thermoregulation, energy metabolism