Faisal Almathen ^*

• King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

The Awarik camel population in southwestern Saudi Arabia is distinguished by unique genetic and phenotypic traits compared to other domestic camel populations. This study explores the genomic signatures of positive selection in Awarik camels to understand their evolutionary history and the genetic adaptations possibly shared with East African camel populations. We analysed whole genome sequencing data from nine Awarik camels using two robust intrapopulation haplotype-based statistical methods: integrated haplotype score (iHS) and number of segregating sites by length (nSL). These analyses identified 66 and 53 candidate selection regions, encompassing 185 and 123 genes, respectively. The iHS analysis revealed significant selection signals on chromosomes 15 and 16, including a robust overlap on chromosome 15 (10 regions) involving the TRNAI-AAU gene, suggesting its critical role in adaptive processes.Additionally, chromosome 3 exhibited the highest number of candidate regions totaling 10.The nSL analysis highlighted statistically significant regions on chromosomes 2 and 7, as well as a high concentration of candidate regions on chromosome 14, totaling five regions. Notably, large candidate regions were also identified on chromosome 11 (200kb: 51.750 -51.950kb) and chromosome 9 (325kb: 45.825 -46.150kb). Functional annotation of these genes revealed involvement in diverse biological processes including olfactory activity, immune regulation, metabolism, insulin secretion, reproductive performance, kidney function, and cellular signaling, with specific genes like BAG5, septin 7, SLC13A1, PCED1B, BMPR1B, ZAR1, JAKMIP2, and NOTCH2 highlighted. These findings contribute to our understanding of the adaptive mechanisms of Awarik camels and have important implications for breeding and conservation strategies. Further research on these genetic adaptations, particularly those affecting immune response, is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change on camel populations. Deleted: The iHS method highlighted 10 candidate regions 44 on chromosome 3, whereas the nSL method found the most 45 regions, five, on chromosome 14. Notably, significant 46 candidate regions were found on chromosome 11 (200kb: 47 51.750 -51.950kb) and chromosome 9 (325kb: 45.825 -48 46.150kb).