Researchers compared DNA methylation, which are chemical marks on DNA that change how genes work. They studied 39 people from two Indigenous groups: the Kichwa in the highlands and the Ashaninka in the lowland Amazon.
The study found clear methylation differences between the high- and low-altitude groups. The differences were in genes linked to blood vessels, heart muscle and muscle growth. The authors suggest these epigenetic changes might help explain thicker small arteries and thicker blood seen in some highland people.
Difficult words
- methylation — chemical change on DNA affecting gene activityDNA methylation
- gene — part of DNA that gives instructions to cellsgenes
- epigenetic — relating to changes that do not alter DNA sequence
- artery — a blood vessel that carries blood from the heartarteries
- highland — area of high land or mountainshighlands
- lowland — flat land near sea level
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Discussion questions
- Why do researchers think epigenetic changes help highland people?
- Have you ever been in a highland area? How did you feel there?
- What differences between highland and lowland life can affect people’s health?
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