Due to a unique adaptation to high altitude, the Tibetan Plateau population has been the subject of much research interest. In this study, we conducted whole genome sequencing of 27 Tibetan individuals. Through our analysis, we inferred a detailed history of demography and revealed the natural selection of Tibetan population. We provided evidence of genetic separation between the two subpopulations of Han and Tibetans as early as 44 to 58 thousand years ago, replicated previously reported high altitude adaptation genes, including EPAS1 and EGLN1, and reported three new candidate genes, including PTGIS, VDR, and KCTD12.

Tibetan Population History and High Altitude Adaptation Study

Genetic Evidence for High-Altitude Adaptation in Tibet

Altitude adaptation in Tibet caused by introgression of Denisovan-like DNA