Why can humans live at a height of 2,500m?

Experts finally discovered that it is genetics that helps Ethiopians live at thousands of meters above sea level.

Genetics is the key to helping people live at a height of 2,500m

Ethiopia is a country in Eastern Africa . Most of Ethiopia's territory is plateaus and hills, some places higher than 3,500 meters above sea level.

At this altitude, people easily suffer from diseases such as Chronic Mountain Sickness (CMS). However, the scientific community has never recorded cases of indigenous people suffering from this syndrome.

CMS is a disease that forms when a person is in a place that is too high for too long. Experts say that the disease occurs because the body produces more red blood cells than normal to increase the ability to store oxygen in thin air conditions in high places.

This can cause blood dystrophy and disproportionality in the rate of ventilation / blood circulation. Symptoms are usually headache, dizziness, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, and some other characteristic symptoms.

However, researchers have gradually uncovered the mystery of genetic factors that help Ethiopians adapt to life with low oxygen levels.

Humans have lived in the highlands for thousands of years. Around the world, 140 million people live at altitudes above 2,500 meters.

Previous studies have suggested three ethnic groups living in the highlands, namely the Andean , Himalayan and Ethiopian . These 3 races have somehow adapted to harsh climatic conditions.

According to the 2014 study, researchers sought to understand the basis of adaptation by analyzing the genetic composition of 13 indigenous people in Ethiopia. All candidates live in a place with a height of over 2,500m. This study aims to emphasize the types of genes that help adapt to hypoxia (hypoxia).

The scenery is beautiful but the environment is harsh

A research group at the University of California, San Diego tested one of these genes - endothelin B receptor (EdnrB).

This is a receptor associated with the ability of the heart to function. The experiment was performed on genetically modified mice and conventional mice - in the presence of particularly low levels of oxygen (5% oxygen).

As a result, genetically engineered mice performed better cardiovascular function, and at the same time, oxidized at superior vital organs. The reduction of EdnrB receptors appears to have increased the resilience of the heart in an oxygen-deficient environment.

EdnrB receptor.

When genetic analysis, the team found some genes in the receptor that could explain the heart's ability to resist superhumanity under low air conditions. Three of those genes - Nppa (sodiumuretic peptide A), Sln (Sarcolipine) and Myl4 - are involved in calcium regulation, cardiac contractility and blood circulation.

Scientists believe that this finding may contribute to opening a new chapter when humans find ways to adapt to even greater heights.

The study is published on the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.