Vavilov’s law in the era of next-generation sequencing: answers, puzzles, hints

Since N. I. Vavilov’s report in Saratov on June 4, 1920, the Law of Homologous Series in Hereditary Variation has not only found practical application in the targeted search for new sources for breeding, but also played an important role in the development of the global plant genetic resources collection. Mechanisms underlying the series observed were progressively revealed with the development of approaches in fundamental science: first in research with cytogenetic methods, then in the course of molecular genetic mapping of genes, and finally with the help of comparative genomics in the era of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). The obvious explanation for the Law formulated by Vavilov seems to be the genetic similarity of organisms, their common origin. At the same time, in light of the currently well-documented synteny of genomes, Vavilov’s law is widely used both in special genetics and for creation of donors of traits valuable for breeding. The Law is also applied for improving plant genotypes using targeted mutagenesis. The article provides specific examples of such research, as well as examples confirming the connection between homologous series in hereditary variation and the synteny of genomes. The solved (or not yet solved) puzzles of “gaps” in homologous series or their unexpected “interruption” in a series of relatively close taxa are discussed. It became clear with the accumulation of results of these studies that convergence, not only synteny, often underlies homologous series. Natural selection often uses different genes and different mutations to “achieve” the same result in different species. Such a “quick solution” is especially valuable for species surviving in rapidly changing environmental conditions. Convergence is the result of adaptation to unfavorable conditions, when natural selection “uses” previously neutral mutations that become important for adaptation in a changed environment. Today, faced with the challenges of changing climate and unstable weather conditions, it is important to apply these Nature’s hints and adapt this mechanism for breeding. The possibilities of using targeted mutagenesis to make a diversity of mutant forms based on numerous inactive gene duplications in the crop genomes for further testing under various stress conditions are discussed. The editing-based targeted reprogramming of duplicated copies for future environmental conditions is also possible. However, this strategy requires preliminary analysis of big data accumulated on gene and metabolic networks, as well as phenotypic data under various environmental conditions. Some of such data have already been accumulated through long-term studies of the VIR collection under various ecogeographic conditions. Joint efforts of breeders, geneticists, bioinformaticians, genetic engineers, and plant genetic resources experts can ensure the implementation of a fundamentally new strategy for improving cultivated plants by modeling natural adaptation processes and targeted use of gene duplications.

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