Convergent High O 2 Affinity but Distinct ATP-Mediated Allosteric Regulation of Hemoglobins in Oviparous and Viviparous Eremias Lizards from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Simple Summary: This study investigates the functional adaptation and underlying molecular mechanisms of hemoglobins (Hbs) in the two species of Eremias lizards dwelling on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. By measuring O2 equilibrium curves of purified Hbs at different pH and temperature in the absence and presence of ATP and/or Cl−, the study found that the high-altitude populations of the two species of Eremias lizards exhibit convergent high Hb-O2 affinity compared to the respective lowland counterparts while demonstrating distinct ATP-mediated allosteric regulation. Hbs of the highland E. argus showed high ATP sensitivity and ATP-dependent strong Bohr effect compared to E. multiocellata. The underlying mechanisms of these functional variations may be attributed to the varying β2/β1 globin ratios, combined with substitutions on the β2-type globin, as suggested by Hb isoform identification and structural analysis of tetrameric Hbs. In addition, Hbs of these Eremias lizards have similarly low temperature sensitivities and relatively high Bohr effects at lower temperatures, which could minimize the impact of temperature fluctuations on Hb-O2 affinity and facilitate the release of O2 in the cold extremities at low temperatures. The functional adaptation and underlying molecular mechanisms of hemoglobins (Hbs) have primarily concentrated on mammals and birds, with few reports on reptiles. This study aimed to investigate the convergent and species-specific high-altitude adaptation mechanisms of Hbs in two Eremias lizards from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Hbs of high-altitude E. argus and E. multiocellata were characterized by significantly high overall and intrinsic Hb-O2 affinity compared to their low-altitude populations. Despite the similarly low Cl− sensitivities, the Hbs of high-altitude E. argus exhibited higher ATP sensitivity and ATP-dependent Bohr effects than that of E. multiocellata, which could facilitate O2 unloading in respiring tissues. Eremias lizards Hbs exhibited similarly low temperature sensitivities and relatively high Bohr effects at lower temperatures, which could help to stably deliver and release O2 to cold extremities at low temperatures. The oxygenation properties of Hbs in high-altitude populations might be attributed to varying ratios of β2/β1 globin and substitutions on the β2-type globin. Notably, the Asn12Ala in lowland E. argus could cause localized destabilization of the E-helix in the tetrameric Hb by elimination of hydrogen bonds, thereby resulting in its lowest O2 affinity. This study provides a valuable reference for the high-altitude adaptation mechanisms of hemoglobins in reptiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]