Exploring the genomic resources of seven domestic Bactrian camel populations in China through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing

The domestic Bactrian camel is a valuable livestock resource in arid desert areas. Therefore, it is essential to understand the roles of important genes responsible for its characteristics. We used restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in seven domestic Bactrian camel populations. In total, 482,786 SNPs were genotyped. The pool of all remaining others were selected as the reference population, and the Nanjiang, Sunite, Alashan, Dongjiang, Beijiang, Qinghai, and Hexi camels were the target populations for selection signature analysis. We obtained 603, 494, 622, 624, 444, 588, and 762 selected genes, respectively, from members of the seven target populations. Gene Ontology classifications and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed, and the functions of these genes were further studied using Genecards to identify genes potentially related to the unique characteristics of the camel population, such as heat resistance and stress resistance. Across all populations, cellular process, single-organism process, and metabolic process were the most abundant biological process subcategories, whereas cell, cell part, and organelle were the most abundant cellular component subcategories. Binding and catalytic activity represented the main molecular functions. The selected genes in Alashan camels were mainly enriched in ubiquitin mediated proteolysis pathways, the selected genes in Beijiang camels were mainly enriched in MAPK signaling pathways, the selected genes in Dongjiang camels were mainly enriched in RNA transport pathways, the selected genes in Hexi camels were mainly enriched in endocytosis pathways, the selected genes in Nanjiang camels were mainly enriched in insulin signaling pathways, while the selected genes in Qinghai camels were mainly enriched in focal adhesion pathways; these selected genes in Sunite camels were mainly enriched in ribosome pathways. We also found that Nanjiang (HSPA4L and INTU), and Alashan camels (INO80E) harbored genes related to the environment and characteristics. These findings provide useful insights into the genes related to the unique characteristics of domestic Bactrian camels in China, and a basis for genomic resource development in this species.