Cytogenetic and AFLP Fingerprints for Five Species of Thai Macaques

Abstract

Summary Genetic studies of 5 species of macaques using G-banding patterns were investigated. Blood samples of them were examined using lymphocyte culture technique. The results indicate that they have identical data including the number of diploid chromosome is 42; the types of autosomes are metacentrics and submetacentrics viz. 6 large metacentrics, 4 medium metacentrics and 8 small metacentrics, and 8 large submetacentrics, 12 medium submetacentrics and 2 small submetacentrics; the short arm of chromosome pair 13 is a satellite chromosome. A few difference is X and Y chromosome. The X and Y chromosomes are medium submetacentrics and medium metacentrics, and small submetacentric, medium submetacentric and small telocentrics, respectively. The cytogenetic studies show that all 5 species Thai macaques have a common evolutionary relationship. For studying in depths, molecular markers were assessed using the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) method. The AFLP fingerprints from 7 primer combinations were compared. A total of 1754 bands, with 890 (50.71%) polymorphic bands, were generated. Seven monomorphic bands (0.78%) were found in all individuals of macaques. The average genetic distance (D) between species based on AFLP analysis shows 0.269 to 0.380. The developing of specific cytogenetic and AFLP fingerprints of a species is possible further benefit for humanity.Key words AFLP fingerprints, Chromosome, Cytogenetic, G-banding, Macaca.The macaques, genus Macaca, represent one of the most successful populations within the order Primates. Their geographical distribution ranks second in size among extant primates, with humans taking first place (Deinard and Smith 2001). Although the number of macaque species depends on the classification scheme used, most authors follow the classification determined by Fooden (1976) or Delson (1980), which recognizes 19 extant macaque species. In Thailand, there are 5 species, Macaca arctoides, M. assamensis, M. fascicularis, M. mulatta, and M. nemestrina, which represent all four defined groups, silenus-sylvanus (M. nemestrina), fascicularis (M. fascicularis and M. mulatta), arctoides (M. arctoides) and sinica (M. assamensis), based on the morphological classification scheme by Fooden (1976). Delson (1980) proposed a slightly different classification, which classifies M. sylvanus into its own group and includes M. arctoides in the sinica group.The relationship between monkeys and humans has occurred for a long time as monkeys, macaques, gibbons and apes share a common ancestor with humans, we share many basic features of genetics, development, physiology, and metabolism (Jones et al. 2004). Therefore, many basic and applied scientific investigations of macaques have aimed to cover aspects of their physiology that may be beneficially utilized by humans. Rhesus monkeys are in high demand for biomedical research of human health issues, ranging from diseases and disorders to potential therapies and pre-