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MHC haplotype frequencies in a UK breeding colony of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques mirror those found in a distinct population from the same geographic origin
Author(s) -
Mee Edward T.,
Badhan Anjna,
Karl Julie A.,
Wiseman Roger W.,
Cutler Keith,
Knapp Leslie A.,
Almond Neil,
O’Connor David H.,
Rose Nicola J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0684.2008.00299.x
Subject(s) - haplotype , biology , allele , microsatellite , major histocompatibility complex , genetics , population , allele frequency , genetic diversity , evolutionary biology , antigen , gene , demography , sociology
Background Mauritian cynomolgus macaques have greatly restricted genetic diversity in the MHC region compared to other non‐human primates; however, the frequency of common MHC haplotypes among captive‐bred populations has not been reported. Methods Microsatellite PCR was used to determine MHC haplotype frequencies among captive macaques at a UK breeding facility. Allele‐specific PCR and reference strand conformational analysis were used to determine the allele expression profile of a subset of animals. Results Haplotypes H3 (21%) and H1 (19%) were most common in the captive population of Mauritian cynomolgus macaques. Predicted alleles were detected by allele‐specific PCR‐SSP in 98% of animals. Allele expression profiles were similar in animals with identical haplotypes. Conclusions Mauritian cynomolgus macaques in the UK breeding facility have restricted MHC diversity comparable to a previously described population. Microsatellite‐derived haplotypes are highly predictive of allele expression. A selective breeding program has been established to produce MHC‐identical animals for biomedical research.