Exploring Climate Adaptation in European Merino Sheep: A Landscape Genomics Approach

November 2025 in “ animal ”

M. Di Civita, P. Wiener, M. Marr, C. Persichilli, G. Senczuk, F. Pilla, E.L. Clark, J. Friedrich, M. Di Civita

Studysummary In this study, researchers analyzed 24 European Merino sheep populations to investigate genetic adaptations to climate, identifying 168 significant SNPs and related genes associated with temperature variation and environmental adaptation, focusing on traits like isothermality and pathways related to immune response and system development.

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This study explores the genetic basis of environmental adaptation in 24 European Merino sheep populations using landscape genomics. By analyzing 38,381 SNPs from 736 animals against 19 bioclimatic variables, researchers identified 168 outlier SNPs and 232 genes linked to climate adaptation, particularly focusing on 'isothermality'. Chromosomes 1 and 14 showed significant genomic associations. Key genes such as STAT1, COL11A1, and COL6A3 were highlighted for their roles in thermoregulation, hair follicle development, and high-altitude adaptation, indicating their potential involvement in environmental adaptation.

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