Almathen Faisal, Salim Bashir
Camel Research Center, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Department of Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Front Genet. 2025 Jul 31;16:1627229. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2025.1627229. eCollection 2025.
Camels ( and ) are indispensable to the economy and culture of arid and semi-arid regions, providing milk, meat, transportation, and labor while demonstrating remarkable adaptations to extreme environments. Recent advances in camel genomics have unraveled key genetic insights related to diversity, physiological adaptation, and productivity traits. However, translating these genomic discoveries into practical applications remains limited by a critical gap in phenotypic data, standardized trait recording, and robust pedigree infrastructure essential foundations for implementing genomic selection (GS) effectively. The lack of high-density SNP arrays, variable linkage disequilibrium patterns, and incomplete genome assemblies further complicate efforts to identify causal variants, cautioning against overinterpreting GWAS results. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of camel genomics, emphasizing key genetic markers associated with growth, meat and milk production, coat color, athletic performance, environmental adaptation, cartilage integrity, and behavioral traits. Additionally, it highlights the importance of modeling genotype-by-environment interactions (G × E) and adopting advanced statistical approaches, such as random regression and reaction norm models, to capture complex trait architectures. Drawing lesson from other livestock, we propose a strategic roadmap that includes the development of high-density SNP arrays, improved genome assemblies, standardized trait recording, and establishment of large, connected training populations. International collaboration through a camel genomics consortium is essential to harmonize data, enhance genetic connectedness, and enable multi-environment evaluations. Addressing these research gaps will facilitate the development of precision breeding, climate-resilient livestock strategies, and sustainable conservation initiatives, ensuring that camels continue to thrive amid growing environmental and economic challenges.
骆驼对干旱和半干旱地区的经济和文化至关重要，它们提供牛奶、肉类、运输和劳动力，同时展现出对极端环境的显著适应性。骆驼基因组学的最新进展揭示了与多样性、生理适应性和生产性状相关的关键遗传见解。然而，将这些基因组发现转化为实际应用仍然受到表型数据、标准化性状记录以及稳健的系谱基础设施等关键差距的限制，而这些是有效实施基因组选择（GS）的重要基础。高密度SNP阵列的缺乏、可变的连锁不平衡模式以及不完整的基因组组装进一步使识别因果变异的工作复杂化，因此要谨慎对待对全基因组关联研究（GWAS）结果的过度解读。本综述对骆驼基因组学进行了全面分析，强调了与生长、肉奶生产、毛色、运动性能、环境适应、软骨完整性和行为性状相关的关键遗传标记。此外，它强调了对基因型与环境相互作用（G×E）进行建模以及采用先进统计方法（如随机回归和反应规范模型）以捕捉复杂性状结构的重要性。借鉴其他家畜的经验，我们提出了一个战略路线图，包括开发高密度SNP阵列、改进基因组组装、标准化性状记录以及建立大型、相互关联的训练群体。通过骆驼基因组学联盟进行国际合作对于协调数据、增强遗传关联性以及实现多环境评估至关重要。解决这些研究差距将有助于精准育种、气候适应型家畜策略和可持续保护倡议的发展，确保骆驼在日益严峻的环境和经济挑战中继续繁荣发展。
