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MFASAT: a new alphoid DNA sequence isolated from Macaca fascicularis (Cercopithecidae, Primates)
S Crovella1, M Del Pero, N Marziliano
1Cattedra di Genetica e Servizio di Genetica, IRCCS Burlo-Garofolo, Trieste, Italy. crovella@burlo.trieste.it
Genome
|February 5, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a novel DNA fragment, Macaca fascicularis alphoid satellite DNA (MFASAT), in Old World monkeys. This highly repeated DNA is conserved across related species and located in the peri-centromeric regions of all chromosomes.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
- Primate Genetics
Background:
- Alphoid DNA constitutes the primary centromeric satellite DNA in many species.
- Old World monkeys possess a distinct alphoid DNA family.
- Understanding primate centromeric DNA is crucial for evolutionary and cytogenetic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a newly isolated repetitive DNA fragment from Macaca fascicularis (MFASAT).
- To determine the genomic location and evolutionary conservation of MFASAT.
- To ascertain if MFASAT belongs to the alphoid DNA family of Old World monkeys.
Main Methods:
- DNA sequencing
- Southern blot analysis
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on metaphasic chromosomes
- Sequence alignment
Main Results:
- MFASAT is a highly repeated DNA fragment.
- FISH analysis localized MFASAT to the peri-centromeric regions of all Macaca fascicularis chromosomes.
- Sequence analysis and homology comparisons strongly suggest MFASAT is an alphoid DNA satellite.
- MFASAT exhibits high conservation with other Macaca species and Papio papio, but low homology with Cercopithecus aethiops.
Conclusions:
- MFASAT represents a novel alphoid DNA family member in Old World monkeys.
- Its peri-centromeric localization and conservation pattern provide insights into primate genome organization and evolution.
- MFASAT can serve as a valuable marker for primate cytogenetics and comparative genomics.