Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetic Analysis of Chimerism in Marmosets (Callithrix: Primates)

Abstract

The birth of fraternal twins is a characteristic frequently observed in callitrichids. Cytogenetic studies have demonstrated hematopoietic chimerism in marmosets with the occurrence of two cell lines 2n=46,XX/46,XY in females and males co-twins, without phenotypic changes. Amplification by PCR have also been used to verify the presence of the SRY gene in female chimaeras. Our aim was to verify the occurrence of chimerism in Callithrix sp. individuals considered as hybrids according to their intermediate phenotypes between C. jacchus and C. penicillata. Blood samples from 37 Callithrix sp. individuals were collected. Hematopoietic chimerism 2n=46,XX/46,XY was detected by cytogenetic analysis in five individuals, three males and two females. A fragment of approximately 200bp of the SRY gene was amplified in seven females with normal external genitalia. The percentage of 32% of chimeric individuals detected in the present study is similar to that observed for pure specimens of Callithrix. These data suggests that hybridization probably does not interfere with the occurrence of twin gestation, nor of chimerism. Although cytogenetics is the main tool to identify the two cell lineages present in cases of chimerism, the amplification of the SRY gene by PCR has proved to be more efficient to identify the Y chromosome in cases of chimeric female marmoset.

After short interbirth intervals, captive callitrichine monkeys have higher infant mortality

“…Our results also add to a growing body of knowledge about the complex reproductive strategies of callitrichine monkeys, particularly processes associated with sibling competition. Firstly, during callitrichine pregnancy, the intrauterine environment promotes cell swapping between siblings, resulting in whole-body chimeras ( Patten, 2021 ; Ross et al., 2007 ; Silva et al., 2017 ; Wedi et al., 2016 ). That is, any given monkey likely has chimeric tissues composed of two or more individual genomes (even potentially including in the germline ( Patten, 2021 ; Ross et al., 2007 ), but see ( Wedi et al., 2016 )).…”

Non-human primate studies for cardiomyocyte transplantation—ready for translation?

“…Their size/large scale is a key value to investigate pig heart to primate transplantation ( Bailey, 2009 ; Längin et al, 2018 ). Marmosets are not suitable for transplantation purposes due to their small size (300–500 g, adult animals) and hematopoietic chimerism, which complicates the evaluation of the immune reaction ( Silva et al, 2017 ). Non-human primates are conspicuously suitable for exploring MI-based treatment options due to their negligible collateral perfusion, similar to the human coronary network ( Buss et al, 1983 ).…”

Labor of a free‐living buffy‐tufted marmoset (Callithrix aurita) at a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in southeastern Brazil

“…Callitrichids are small nonhuman primates including black‐tufted marmoset ( Callithrix penicillata ), common marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus ), Geoffroy's marmoset ( Callithrix geoffroy ) and buffy‐tufted marmoset ( Callithrix aurita ) 1 . Their pregnancies last an average of 145 days and are usually of twins 2,3 . Reports from C. jacchus estimate that their birth varies from 20 to 50 min, from crowning of the first offspring to the birth of the second 3 .…”