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The MHC E locus in macaques is polymorphic and is conserved between macaques and humans
J E Boyson1, S N McAdam, A Gallimore
1Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53715.
Immunogenetics
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Researchers explored non-classical MHC class I evolution in macaques, finding the HLA-E locus is polymorphic and under selective pressure. This suggests conserved functions in humans and macaques over millions of years.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Molecular genetics
Background:
- The function of non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules remains largely undefined, unlike their classical counterparts.
- Investigating the evolutionary trajectory and conservation of these non-classical loci is crucial for understanding their biological roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the evolution and conservation of non-classical MHC class I loci by examining HLA-E homologues in macaques.
- To determine the polymorphism of the E locus in macaque populations.
Main Methods:
- Cloning and sequencing of HLA-E homologues in rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys.
- Comparative analysis of nucleotide substitution rates in introns versus exons of macaque and human E locus alleles.
- Analysis of synonymous and non-synonymous substitution rates in the peptide-binding region compared to other molecular regions.
Main Results:
- The E locus in macaques was found to be polymorphic, with four alleles identified in rhesus monkeys and two in cynomolgus monkeys.
- Nucleotide substitution rates were significantly higher in introns than in exons, indicating evolutionary selective pressure on the E locus.
- The peptide-binding region codons showed conservation between macaque and human E locus alleles, suggesting functional importance.
Conclusions:
- The macaque E locus is polymorphic and has evolved under selective pressure.
- Conservation of the peptide-binding region in macaque and human HLA-E homologues suggests shared, conserved functions over 36 million years of divergent evolution.