Major gene for percent of oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin in Tibetan highlanders.
This report employs a statistical genetic approach to analyze quantitative oxygen transport variables in a high-altitude (4,850-5,450 m) native Tibetan population and demonstrates the presence of a major gene influencing % O2 saturation of arterial hemoglobin. This result suggests the hypothesis that individuals with the dominant allele for higher % O2 saturation have a selective advantage at high altitude. Studies of the biologically distinctive Himalayan and Andean populations have greatly influenced thinking about ongoing human evolution and adaptation; this is the first statistical evidence for a major gene enhancing oxygen transport in a high-altitude native population.
Beall
C M
CM
Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7125.
Blangero
J
J
Williams-Blangero
S
S
Goldstein
M C
MC
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000235:genetics; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000531:Altitude; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008957:Models, Genetic; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism*; D010375:Pedigree; D010641:Phenotype; D018609:Tibet / Q000208:ethnology
D006454:Hemoglobins; D010100:Oxygen