59 Insights into Complex Traits from Human Genetics

Abstract

Abstract Genomic selection has been implemented successfully in many livestock industries for genetic improvement. However, genomic selection provides limited insight into the genetic mechanisms underlying variation in complex traits. In contrast, human genetics has a focus on understanding genetic architecture and the origins of quantitative trait variation. This presentation will discuss a number of examples from human genetics which can inform our understanding of the nature of variation in complex traits. So-called ‘monogenic’ conditions, for example, are proving to have more complex genetic architecture than naïve expectations might suggest. Massive data sets of millions of people are also enabling longstanding questions to be addressed. Traits such as height, for example, are affected by a very large but finite number of loci. We can reconcile seemingly disparate heritability estimates from different experimental designs by accounting for assortative mating. The presentation will provide a brief update on current approaches to genomic prediction in human genetics and discuss the implications of these findings for understanding and predicting complex traits in livestock.