Chromosome localization and gene synteny of the major histocompatibility complex in the owl monkey, Aotus

Chromosomal localization of the glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) gene in cattle, sheep and goat by in situ hybridization--chromosomal banding homology versus molecular conservation in Bovidae

A porcine genomic glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI) DNA probe was used for in situ hybridization with metaphase chromosomes in cattle, sheep and goat. The probe gave distinct signals on the q22----proximal part of the q24 segment of chromosome 18, 14 and 18 in cattle, sheep and goat, respectively, indicating the location of GPI gene. The three species belong to the family Bovidae and have high resemblance in chromosome banding patterns. The localization of the GPI locus to the same site on chromosomes with almost similar banding patterns suggests high degree of homology at these sites in the three species. Correlation between banding homologies and possible similarities at the molecular level is discussed.

Owl monkey gene map: evidence for a homologous human chromosome 7q region near the cystic fibrosis locus

We have demonstrated the assignments of two gene loci (COLIA2, MET) and two noncoding DNA markers (D7S13, D7S8) to owl monkey chromosome 14 (K-VI) by hybridizing DNA probes from the cystic fibrosis (CF) region of human chromosome 7q21-32 to panels of rodent-owl monkey somatic cell hybrids. The assignments are substantiated by in situ chromosome hybridization of markers COLIA2, MET, and D7S13 to the distal long arm of chromosome 14 (K-VI). These results support genomic conservation of the human CF region, at least in the higher primates.

Molecular characterization and genetic mapping of class I and class II MHC genes of the domestic cat

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of the domestic cat has been poorly characterized to date, primarily because of numerous difficulties in the preparation of allotypic sera. We present here a comparative analysis of class I and class II genes in domestic cat populations using molecular probes of the MHC from man and mouse. The cat possesses a minimum of 20 class I loci and 5 class II genes per haploid genome. Class I genes of the domestic cat expressed limited restriction fragment length polymorphism. The average percent difference of the size of DNA fragments between individual cats was 9.0%, a value five times lower than the value for mice, but comparable to the human DNA polymorphism level. Class I and class II genes were both genetically mapped to feline chromosome B2 using a panel of rodent x cat somatic cell hybrids. Since feline chromosome B2 is syntenically homologous to human chromosome 6 and mouse chromosome 17, these results affirm the linkage conservation of the MHC-containing linkage group in the three mammalian orders.

Use of monoclonal antibodies in genetic research with nonhuman primates

Monoclonal antibodies, because of their specificity and unlimited availability, have become one of the most powerful experimental tools available to the biological sciences. It is possible to make monoclonal antibodies that bind to determinants that are monomorphic in one or more species or to determinants that are polymorphic within a species. Few monoclonal antibodies have been made using immunogens derived from nonhuman primates. However, some monoclonal antibodies that recognize monotypic markers in humans can be used to detect polymorphic markers in nonhuman primates. Thus, the rapid development of monoclonal antibodies specific for human proteins significantly increases the potential number of immunogenetic markers useful for studying phylogenetic relationships and for identifying genetic polymorphisms among nonhuman primates.

Historical perspective of genetic research with nonhuman primates

Genetics became firmly established as a scientific discipline early in the twentieth century, but major genetic research programs that involve nonhuman primates have been initiated only in the last two decades. Considerable activity in this area has been stimulated by the concurrent development of powerful techniques for detecting variability in chromosomes, proteins, and DNA; the establishment of pedigreed breeding colonies; and the recognition that nonhuman primates are ideally suited as models of human disease and social structure. The subdisciplines of cytogenetics, immunogenetics, and biochemical genetics have established a firm basis for biomedical and evolutionary research with nonhuman primates, and they will contribute greatly to future research initiatives. More recently, the advent of molecular genetics has enhanced the opportunities for research; and the exploration of nonhuman primates as potential models for genetically mediated diseases has been richly rewarded. We stand at the threshold of a new and exciting era in genetic research with nonhuman primates. The results of research programs already underway not only will provide more definitive answers about the origin of man, but also will play a critical role in solving the health-related problems of the present and of the future.