Genome Scan for Signatures of Adaptive Evolution in Wild African Goat (Capra Nubiana)
October 2023
TLDR Wild African goats have genetic adaptations for surviving harsh desert conditions.
The study on the wild African goat (Capra nubiana) identified several genetic adaptations to harsh desert environments through genome-wide scans. Key findings include positive selection in genes related to skin barrier and hair follicle development, DNA repair, and immune response, such as ABCA12 and UVSSA. The research also detected numerous copy number variations (CNVs) affecting genes involved in immune response and xenobiotic metabolism. These genetic adaptations likely support the species' survival in extreme conditions, providing valuable insights for conservation and breeding programs to enhance resilience in domestic goats.
