Sequencing genomes from museum collections could transform scientific inquiry

Natural history collections around the world collectively hold more than 1 billion specimens, spanning a wide variety of times and places. These include species that are extinct or come from areas now transformed beyond recognition, providing data that cannot be found anywhere else.

These animals and plants are already invaluable for scientists trying to understand our world, with specimens from the Natural History Museum used to show the changing size of British bumblebees, interpret prehistoric human culture and recreate the song of a long-lost insect.

But peer beneath the surface of these specimens and there’s a wealth of genetic data that’s yet to be unlocked. While some initiatives are already tapping into this resource, many are led externally to natural history collections. But what if these institutions led the sequencing themselves?

Filling gaps across the tree

This is the argument in a new paper led by Natural History Museum researchers published in Nature Reviews Genetics, which suggests that collection-led sequencing would represent a transformative scientific and economic opportunity. Currently, genomes are often sampled opportunistically and sequenced in ways that don’t lend themselves to analysis.

As a result, just 0.2% of all known animals and plants have had their whole genomes sequenced, with a particular bias toward vertebrates and economically valuable species. Systematic sequencing of closely related species would allow previously overlooked organisms to be understood at a genetic level, providing vital new insights into whole branches of the tree of life.

Linking genes to specimens

This would provide the scale needed to find patterns that can’t be found from single genomes alone. Recent projects using densely sampled genomes are already offering unprecedented insights into topics as diverse as the evolution of malaria and climate-resilient potatoes, and widespread specimen sequencing would offer even more possibilities.

Sequencing natural history collections would also provide a database that links genetic data to physical characteristics, location data and time periods across a wide range of species. Such a resource would have unprecedented applications for conservation, biotechnology and many other fields.

It would be particularly useful for training machine learning algorithms, which could allow researchers to uncover hidden trends and make predictions about biodiversity as they tackle the biodiversity and climate crises.

Collections as sequencing catalysts

Dr. Paschalia Kapli, the paper’s lead author and research leader in collection-based genomics at the Natural History Museum, says, “Until recently, natural history collections have mostly been seen as providers of specimens rather than active catalysts in sequencing projects. As a result, genomic data from large parts of the tree of life are still unknown.”

“By putting these collections and taxonomic expertise at the heart of sequencing initiatives, there’s the opportunity to find out not just about these overlooked species, but also to make great leaps forward in our understanding of the natural world. Such discoveries could help to halt extinctions, boost food security and develop new medicines in the years to come.”

Who’s behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021.

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Robert Egan

Bachelor’s in mathematical biology, Master’s in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language.

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This story is republished courtesy of Natural History Museum. Read the original story here.