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Life at high altitude poses a formidable challenge to human physiology because every breath of thin air inhaled contains less oxygen (O2) per volume than air at sea level,causing the resnltant drop in O2 pressure in blood to limit performance and threaten survival While short-term adjustments to hypoxia (acclimatization) including increased erythropoiesis ensure total O2 content of blood remains unchanged,body functions at high altitude are severely compromised [1].Adaptation over millennia has enabled humans to cope with these challenges and,by now,＞ 140 million people live permanently at altitudes above 2500 in South America (Andeans),East Africa (Ethiopians)and Central Asia (Tibetans).Studying human adaptation to the hypobaric hypoxia of high altitude provides a window into ‘natural selection in action,showing us‘what worked.Understanding the mechanisms involved in (acclimatization and) adaptation to this environmental stressor is not only of significance for evolutionary biology and altitude medicine,but may also help mitigate the adverse health effects associated with spaceflight;moreover,findings from this research may suggest novel treatment modalities for patients with chronic respiratory conditions,ischemic heart disease and those admitted to critical care in the hospital [2].