Genetic management of nonhuman primates

Abstract

Genetic management is widely recognized as a critical component of the overall management of captive nonhuman primate colonies which produce animals for biomedical research. In this paper, we review the roles of conservation-oriented genetic management, research-oriented genetic management, genetic management at the level of taxomomic class, genetic management at the level of the population, and quantitative genetic analysis in comprehensive genetic management programs for nonhuman primate colonies. We conclude that genetic management is crucial for maintaining nonhuman primate populations suitable for genetic research on normal and disease-related phenotypes. In addition, for research programs that do not have specific genetic objectives, genetic management is essential to facilitate the selection of samples of well-matched unrelated animals for experimental purposes.

Determining genetic background in captive stocks of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis)

“…Fig. 1) suggests that captive M. fascicularis may also vary in genetic composition depending on which natural population was used to found the stock [20, 24]. The different responses during observational studies and experiments necessitate considerations of the genetic background when choosing animals for study [24].…”

“…e.g. [10, 11, 20, 22–24]). Confidence of assigning mtDNA haplotypes obtained from samples of unspecified origin to a particular cluster of mtDNA haplotypes of specified geographical origin, expressed here as bootstrap support, was high, between 98 and 100% for the M. fascicularis haplotype groups from Indochina, Insular Malaysia and Philippines, and Mauritius.…”

“…The nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) design by Tosi et al. [24] was modified to fit the macaque mtDNA genome while avoiding nuclear insertions [8] (Fig. 2).…”

“…In contrast, genetic background of captive cynomolgus macaques appears to be monitored less routinely, if at all [4, 24]. Macaca fascicularis captive stocks originate from at least three populations, each with its own genetic features [20] (c.f.…”

Reproduction and Breeding of Nonhuman Primates

“…Genetic admixture and hybrid animals can impart differences in response to test articles or procedures, which may confound results. (Williams-Blangero and VandeBerg, 2003) Over 19 000 cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) were imported into the USA for use in biomedical research in fiscal year 2009. These animals were imported from China, Mauritius, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines (Mullan, 2009).…”