De Novo Mutations Reflect Development and Aging of the Human Germline

Abstract

Human germline de novo mutations (DNMs) are both a driver of evolution and an important cause of genetic diseases. In the past few years, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of parent-offspring trios has facilitated the large-scale detection and study of human DNMs, which has led to exciting discoveries. The overarching theme of all of these studies is that the DNMs of an individual are a complex mixture of mutations that arise through different biological processes acting at different times during human development and life.

Keywords: aging; de novo mutation; embryonic development; germline.