Genetic analysis of the Saimiri breeding colony of the Pasteur Institute (French Guiana): development of a molecular typing method using a combination of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers

Abstract

Saimiri (Cebidae) groups a complex of species and subspecies, which present a large morphological plasticity. Genetic analysis is complicated by the absence of consensus on classification criteria and the paucity of molecular tools available for the genus. As the squirrel monkey is widely used in biomedical research, breeding centers have been established, but the genetic make up and diversity of many of the existing colonies is unknown precluding a rationale breeding policy. To develop a genetic typing strategy for the Saimiri breeding colony of Pasteur Institute of French Guiana, we have used Cytochrome b, a mitochondrial marker, and nuclear microsatellites. Cytochrome b sequences from wild-caught Saimiri boliviensis, Saimiri sciureus sciureus and S. s. collinsi reference specimens and captive animals identified 11 haplotypes, grouped into three distinct clades. An estimate of genetic variability within each captive morphotype, and of the extent of molecular divergence between the Bolivian, Guyanese and Brazilian breeds was obtained from the analysis of three nuclear microsatellites. Taxon-specific microsatellites enabled typing of F0-F3 animals, but did not differentiate Brazilian from Guyanese animals. Three locus microsatellite analysis of a representative sample from each generation showed no trend for loss of heterozygosity, and identified hybrid animals between Bolivian and the two others sub-species. These data provide novel evidence for taxonomic classification and a rationale strategy to further type the whole colony.

Population modeling for a captive squirrel monkey colony

“…The means of annual percent values used in the deterministic model were found to be of the same order of magnitude as those reported in the literature for other squirrel monkey colonies [Lavergne et al, 2003;Rasmussen et al, 1980;Taub et al, 1978]. However, we have not come across comparative historical data in the form of probability distributions.…”

Morphological and Genetic Characterization of Saimiri boliviensis

“…However, we need a fine-scale resolution of the genetic structure of Saimiri populations in the wild and in captivity to be able to track geographic origins and define genetic structure of captive populations. For example, Lavergne et al (2003) genotyped the colony of Saimiri of the Pasteur Institute in French Guyana via mitochondrial and microsatellite markers. They found 3 distinct mitochondrial lineages from the Saimiri boliviensis, S. sciureus and S. s. collinsi group and private microsatellite alleles that distinguished Bolivian specimens (S. boliviensis) from Guyanese (S. s. sciureus) and Brazilian animals (S. s. collinsi).…”

Integration of field and captive studies for understanding the behavioral ecology of the squirrel monkey (Saimirisp.)

“…The gothic group includes S. sciureus, S. ustus, and S. oerstedii, whereas the roman group includes S. boliviensis and S. vanzolinii [Ingberman et al, 2008]. Several molecular approaches have been suggested to circumvent the problem of unknown geographic origin, based on allozyme and microsatellite polymorphisms as well as sequencing marker genes [Boinski & Cropp, 1999;Cropp & Boinski, 2000;Lavernge et al, 2003;Silva et al, 1993]. Recently, Osterholz et al [2008] identified a pattern with the Alu insertion, a short sequence of DNA at a particular chromosome site, for S. sciureus (Alu insert absent) and S. boliviensis (Alu insert present).…”