Publications by authors named "Qiu-Mei Ji"
Article Synopsis
- The Yak Genome Database is a multi-omics resource designed to enhance our understanding of the genetic makeup and adaptive traits of yaks, which thrive in high-altitude environments.
- It houses extensive data, including 26,518 genes, 62 transcriptomes, 144,309 proteome spectra, and 22,478 methylation sites, offering detailed insights into yak biology.
- This database serves as a vital platform for researchers, facilitating data sharing and exploration to aid in studies of yak development, high-altitude adaptation mechanisms, and molecular breeding efforts.
Yak 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 PDFDifferences in proteomic profiles between yak and three cattle strains provide insights into molecular mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation.
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl)
May 2022
Article 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.*
Evaluation of the economic impact of brucellosis in domestic yaks of Tibet.
Transbound Emerg Dis
January 2019
Brucellosis is considered as an endemic disease in yaks (Bos grunniens) in China, but few economic analyses describing the cost of the disease and potential benefits of control have been reported. The aim of the study was to estimate the economic cost of brucellosis in yaks and the economic value of three control strategies: (a) vaccination; (b) test-and-slaughter; and (c) a combination of vaccination and test-and-slaughter programs in Damxung and Maizhokunggar counties and Pali township of Yadong county in Tibet. Using data from a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey conducted in 2015, combined with financial data, the predicted costs and benefits of the different control strategies were simulated over a 6-year period.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- * Results indicated high genetic variability across these groups, with a high average polymorphic information content (PIC), particularly noting that Sangri Yak showed the greatest diversity.
- * The research suggests eastern Tibetan yaks have greater genetic diversity than western ones, indicating that this region may be a key area for yak evolution, and the selected microsatellite markers are effective for evaluating yak genetics.