Approaches to understanding adaptations of skin color variation by detecting gene–environment interactions

Abstract

Genetic and environmental factors are both part of an elaborate feedback mechanism whereby the human adaptive form reacts to environmental stimuli via internal adjustments. Human survival may ultimately depend on understanding two important components of future environmental adaptation. First, we must elucidate the dynamics of the human genome underpinning the complex human phenotype. Second, we must understand how the environment pressures and affects the genome, helping to determine human traits. This article reviews current approaches to detecting the natural selection of skin color variation in human populations. We include statistical methods for clarifying gene–environment interactions applicable to the interactions with UV radiation levels. We recommend spatial data mining as an efficient approach that applies environmental association rules, extending our knowledge of adaptation to the environment.

Keywords::

• adaptation
• environmental association rules
• gene–environment interactions
• genetic evolutionary history
• natural selection
• skin color variation
• spatial data mining
• UV radiation levels

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.