Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Absolute Quantification of Plasma MicroRNA Levels in Cynomolgus Monkeys, Using Quantitative Real-time Reverse Transcription PCR
Published on: February 12, 2018
The TRIMCyp genotype in four species of macaques in China
Chang-Qing Yu1, Lei Na, Xiao-Ling Lv
1Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China.
Abstract:
The tripartite motif protein (TRIM)5α/CypA fusion protein TRIMCyp in Old World monkeys is generally considered unable to restrict HIV-1 replication. Monkeys with TRIMCyp can serve as a unique animal model for studies of HIV-1 infection. The present study investigated the distribution and expression status of TRIMCyp in four species of macaques originating from China and its borderlands: pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana). The results revealed that the frequencies of the TRIMCyp genotype were significantly different among different species and even within different populations of the same species. Interestingly, the TRIMCyp genotype was more prevalent among macaques originating from Yunnan and surrounding regions than those from other regions of China. Importantly, TRIMCyp individuals were first identified in Chinese M. mulatta originating from Yunnan, although multiple earlier studies failed to find CypA retrotransposition in this subspecies. Furthermore, TRIMe7-CypA, one of the splicing isoforms of the TRIMCyp transcript was expressed in M. nemestrina and M. mulatta but not M. fascicularis. The intra- and interspecies polymorphisms in the deduced TRIMCyp amino acid sequences of these macaques were also analyzed. Taken together, the data in this study provide important information about the genomic background of TRIMCyp among major species of Chinese macaques.
Insights
The tripartite motif protein (TRIM)Cyp genotype varies significantly across Chinese macaque species and populations. This study identifies TRIMCyp in Chinese rhesus macaques, offering insights for HIV-1 research.
Area of Science:
- Primate genetics
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- The tripartite motif protein (TRIM)5α/CypA fusion protein, TRIMCyp, in Old World monkeys is generally considered unable to restrict HIV-1 replication.
- Monkeys possessing TRIMCyp are valuable as animal models for HIV-1 infection studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution and expression of TRIMCyp in four macaque species from China.
- To analyze genetic variations in TRIMCyp among different macaque populations.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of TRIMCyp across four macaque species: pigtail (Macaca nemestrina), rhesus (Macaca mulatta), long-tailed (Macaca fascicularis), and Tibetan (Macaca thibetana).
- Analysis of TRIMCyp splicing isoforms, including TRIMe7-CypA expression.
- Examination of intra- and interspecies polymorphisms in TRIMCyp amino acid sequences.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in TRIMCyp genotype frequencies were observed among macaque species and populations.
- TRIMCyp genotype was more common in macaques from Yunnan and surrounding regions.
- TRIMCyp individuals were identified in Chinese Macaca mulatta from Yunnan for the first time.
- TRIMe7-CypA was expressed in Macaca nemestrina and Macaca mulatta, but not in Macaca fascicularis.
Conclusions:
- TRIMCyp distribution and expression exhibit significant variation in Chinese macaques.
- The findings provide crucial data on the genomic background of TRIMCyp in Chinese macaques.
- This information is vital for utilizing macaque models in HIV-1 research.
