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Brain xanthophyll content and exploratory gene expression analysis: subspecies differences in rhesus macaque
Emily S Mohn1, John W Erdman2, Martha Neuringer3
1Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA USA.
Genes & Nutrition
|March 14, 2017
Summary
Primate origin influences brain xanthophyll levels and gene expression. Indian-origin monkeys show higher lutein and zeaxanthin (xanthophylls) and altered gene expression compared to Chinese-origin monkeys.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Dietary xanthophylls, lutein and zeaxanthin, accumulate in primate neural tissues.
- Neural xanthophyll content varies among individuals, influenced by genetics.
- Rhesus macaque subspecies from different origins exhibit genetic variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in xanthophyll status and gene expression between Indian and Chinese origin rhesus monkeys.
- To determine the effect of geographic origin on brain carotenoid levels and related gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Collected prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and striatum samples from adult rhesus monkeys.
- Quantified serum and brain carotenoids using high-performance liquid chromatography.
- Analyzed gene expression via RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Indian-origin monkeys had higher brain xanthophyll concentrations than Chinese-origin monkeys.
- Differential expression of genes involved in carotenoid/fatty acid metabolism and immune response was observed.
- Gene expression correlated with brain xanthophyll levels in a region-specific manner.
Conclusions:
- Primate origin impacts brain gene expression and xanthophyll content.
- Findings suggest implications for genetic diversity, lutein status, and primate cognition.
