Publications by authors named "Han-Wen Cao"
Purpose: To reveal relationship between air pollution exposure and osteoporosis (OP) risk.
Methods: Based on large-scale data from the UK Biobank, we evaluated the relationship between OP risk and several air pollutants. Then air pollution scores (APS) were constructed to assess the combined effects of multiple air pollutants on OP risk.
Article Synopsis
- The study focuses on identifying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the yak genome that are associated with body weight, a key factor in their economic value on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
- Analysis of 480 yaks from three breeds revealed 12 SNPs in males and 4 in females that show a significant relationship with body weight, particularly the SNP AX-174555047, which influences hormone levels affecting weight.
- The findings suggest that the SNP AX-174555047 could be a useful biomarker in yak breeding programs, though further research is needed to confirm its effects on weight through gene expression mechanisms.
Rumen microorganisms play important roles in the healthy growth of yaks. This study investigated changes in yak rumen microbiome during natural grazing at the warm seasons and supplementary feeding at cold seasons. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA and metagenome analysis were conducted to investigate the structures and functions of yak rumen microbial communities.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFYak has evolved specific adaptative mechanisms to high-altitude environment. Up to date, only a few studies reported the DNA methylation in yak. In the present study, genome-wide DNA methylome and transcriptome profiles in lung, mammary, and biceps brachii muscle tissues were compared between yak and three cattle breeds (Tibetan cattle, Sanjiang cattle, and Holstein cattle).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Yaks have unique lung and heart adaptations for high-altitude living, but the specific molecular mechanisms are not well understood.
- A study compared the proteins in the lung and heart tissues of yaks to three cattle strains using advanced proteomic techniques, identifying over 7,200 proteins and numerous proteins that are differentially abundant.
- The analysis revealed specific protein pathways related to immune function and cardiac performance that may explain how yaks manage low oxygen levels and maintain heart function in high altitudes.
Background: On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the roof ridge of the world, the yak is a precious cattle species that has been indispensable to the human beings living in this high-altitude area. However, the origin of domestication, dispersal route, and the divergence of domestic yaks from different areas are poorly understood.
Results: Here, we resequenced the genome of 91 domestic yak individuals from 31 populations and 1 wild yaks throughout China.
Article Synopsis
- - The study investigates how yaks have adapted to high-altitude living by focusing on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in their gluteus muscle compared to different cattle breeds.
- - Researchers found that yaks have higher expressions of genes related to fatty acid oxidation and lower expressions of glucose metabolism genes, suggesting a shift in energy use to adapt to their environment.
- - The findings also indicate unique lncRNA functions that may help yaks manage stress and muscle function, with results showing differences in calcium handling and muscle contraction mechanisms when compared to cattle species.
Signature of high altitude adaptation in the gluteus proteome of the yak.
J Exp Zool B Mol Dev Evol
September 2020
Article Synopsis
- Yak exhibits unique adaptations to the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, and a study analyzed the proteomic profiles of yak gluteus muscle compared to various cattle strains to understand these mechanisms.
- The research identified significant differences in protein expression: yak had 20, 364, and 143 upregulated proteins compared to Tibetan, Holstein, and Sanjiang cattle, respectively, with many related to energy processes like oxidative phosphorylation.
- Key proteins associated with increased mitochondrial capacity and protection against oxidative damage were found in yaks, indicating their enhanced metabolic function is a long-term adaptation to survive in high-altitude environments.
Article Synopsis
- Yak are crucial livestock for people living in the harsh environments of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, highlighting the need for a complete genome assembly for better genetic study.
- This study presents a high-quality chromosome-scale yak genome assembly (BosGru_PB_v1.0) using advanced long-read sequencing, improving upon previous fragmented versions by increasing sequence continuity and reducing ambiguities.
- The research also generated genome assemblies for multiple domestic yak breeds and one wild yak, revealing genetic diversity and identifying unique breed-specific genes, which can help in distinguishing different yak breeds.
Article Synopsis
- The yak, an essential animal on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, has adapted its immune system to thrive in high-altitude environments.
- A study analyzed gene expression in the lungs and gluteus tissues of yaks at various ages (6, 30, 60, and 90 months) to understand how immune function changes during development.
- Findings revealed that immune activation peaked at 6 and 90 months, suggesting increased resistance to infections in younger yaks, while higher activation in older yaks may be linked to muscle injuries and regeneration.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates how yaks are able to adapt to the high-altitude environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau compared to low-altitude cattle species through molecular mechanisms.* -
- The researchers found that specific genes related to red blood cell development and immune response are differently expressed in yaks, which may help them cope with conditions like lower oxygen levels and reduced risk of disease.* -
- Changes in gene expression for blood coagulation and ion channel activity in yaks suggest adaptations that minimize the risk of pulmonary edema, making them well-suited for high-altitude living.*