Diverse functions associate with trans-species polymorphisms in humans

Abstract

Long-term balancing selection (LTBS) can maintain allelic variation at a locus over millions of years and through speciation events. Variants shared between species, hereafter "trans-species polymorphisms" (TSPs), often result from LTBS due to host-pathogen interactions. For instance, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus contains TSPs present across primates. Several hundred TSPs have been identified in humans and chimpanzees; however, because many are in non-coding regions of the genome, the functions and adaptive roles for most TSPs remain unknown. We integrated diverse genomic annotations to explore the functions of 125 previously identified non-coding TSPs that are likely under LTBS since the common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees. We analyzed genome-wide functional assays, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS). We identify functional annotations for 119 TSP regions, including 71 with evidence of gene regulatory function from GTEx or genome-wide functional genomics data and 21 with evidence of trait association from GWAS and PheWAS. TSPs in humans associate with many immune system phenotypes, including response to pathogens, but we also find associations with a range of other phenotypes, including body mass, alcohol intake, urate levels, chronotype, and risk-taking behavior. The diversity of traits associated with non-coding human TSPs suggest that functions beyond the immune system are often subject to LTBS. Furthermore, several of these trait associations provide support and candidate genetic loci for previous hypothesis about behavioral diversity in great ape populations, such as the importance of variation in sleep cycles and risk sensitivity. Significance statementMost genetic variants present in human populations are young (<100,000 years old); however, a few hundred are millions of years old with origins before the divergence of humans and chimpanzees. These trans-species polymorphisms (TSPs) were likely maintained by balancing selection--evolutionary pressure to maintain genetic diversity at a locus. However, the functions driving this selection, especially for non-coding TSPs, are largely unknown. We integrate genome-wide annotation strategies to demonstrate TSP associations with immune system function, behavior (addition, cognition, risky behavior), uric acid metabolism, and many other phenotypes. These results substantially expand our understanding of functions TSPs and suggest a substantial role for balancing selection beyond the immune system.