Toward developing a genome‐wide microsatellite marker set for linkage analysis in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta): Identification of 76 polymorphic markers

Abstract

Linkage analysis can be problematic in humans because of the lack of large, multigenerational pedigrees and the difficulties in obtaining phenotypic data on all family members. In contrast, large, captive colonies of rhesus macaque are a potentially valuable resource for linkage studies because detailed phenotypic and genealogical data are kept, inbreeding is avoided, and DNA samples can usually be obtained. Microsatellite marker sets for genome-wide screening are available in a number of species, but not for the rhesus macaque. We tested primers to 400 human microsatellite markers from a genome-wide mapping set using DNA from nine unrelated female rhesus macaques. We found that 76 (19%) of the primers amplified a polymorphic product using the standard protocols for human DNA. The average heterozygosity of the markers in humans was 0.80, compared to 0.65 in the rhesus macaques. This study provides preliminary data, which could be used toward the development of a linkage mapping set in this species. There would be a need, however, to confirm the Mendelian inheritance of the markers.

Development of a microsatellite marker set applicable to genome-wide screening of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

“…Genomic DNA was extracted from 5 to 10 mL heparinized peripheral blood by use of the Wizard Genomic DNA purification kit (Promega, California, USA). One-hundred and forty-eight microsatellite markers were selected for this study, including 104 markers reported in rhesus monkeys (Smith et al 2000;Hadfield et al 2001;Andrade et al 2004), 20 markers from the database of the CHLC (Cooperative Human Linkage Center: http://www.gai.nci.nih.gov/CHLC/), and 24 markers reported in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) associated reports of humans (Martin et al 1998;Foissac et al 2000). The primers were selected from the NCBI database (http://www.ncbi.…”

“…Sets of microsatellite markers are available for genome-wide screening or kin selection for some nonhuman primate species (Morin et al 1994a, b;Rogers et al 2000;Hadfield et al 2001;Rogers et al 2006). Because many microsatellite markers on the human genome have already been identified, use of human microsatellite marker information is an efficient means of developing marker sets for other primate species (Domingo et al 1997;Lukas et al 2004).…”

A panel of 20 highly variable microsatellite polymorphisms in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) selected for pedigree or population genetic analysis

“…A number of microsatellites have already been described in rhesus monkeys [Hadfield et al, 2001;Kayser et al, 1996;Morin et al, 1997;Smith et al, 2000]. The additional polymorphisms reported here add to this literature.…”

“…Given the value of microsatellites as informative genetic markers, and the intense research interest in rhesus macaques, it is no surprise that various researchers have worked to identify this type of polymorphism in this species [Hadfield et al, 2001;Kayser et al, 1996;Morin et al, 1997;Smith et al, 2000]. However, no one genetic locus is guaranteed to be highly informative in all rhesus monkey populations.…”

Multiplexed microsatellites for rapid identification and characterization of individuals and populations of Cercopithecidae

“…In this way, highly polymorphic microsatellites that were originally designed for humans can also be convenient for primate genotyping [Blanquer-Maumont & CrouauRoy, 1995;Clifford et al, 1999;Clisson et al, 2000]. For example, several human microsatellites have already been used for M. mulatta [Nürnberg et al, 1998;Smith et al, 2000;Hadfield et al, 2001]. However, no microsatellite polymorphisms have been described for M. fascicularis.…”