Genome banking of ancestral haplotypes for future survival

Abstract

The human genome contains Polymorphic Frozen Blocks (PFB) dedicated to the maintenance of haplotypes which are responsible for functional and survival differences between individuals. These Conserved Polymorphic Sequences (CPS) are protected from mutation and are retained as ‘safe deposits’ available in the future. Therefore, the genome has a reserve for use during cyclical challenges such as epidemics, famine and climate changes. In humans, this mechanism has survived since speciation and may help to explain success of humans in surviving diverse environments during this time frame. Less is known of other species. Domestic livestock have been bred to select for certain traits of commercial significance. Here we take the example of red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle and show that their genome appears to have been restructured. As a consequence, some of their reserves may have been lost. There may be a need for back-crossing to maintain an optimal amount of diversity. We propose the establishment of genome banks to curate and preserve founder sequences containing a full complement of CPS.