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Increased microsatellite variability in Macaca mulatta compared to humans due to a large scale deletion/insertion
M Kayser1, P Nürnberg, F Bercovitch
1Institut für Gerichtliche Medizin, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Germany.
Electrophoresis
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Human (GATA)n microsatellites D12S66 and D12S67 are present in apes and monkeys. D12S67 shows significant size variation across primate species, indicating recurrent mutations during evolution.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Primate Evolution
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human microsatellite loci D12S66 and D12S67 are composed of (GATA)n repeats.
- Microsatellites are valuable genetic markers for population and evolutionary studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and variability of human microsatellites D12S66 and D12S67 in various primate species.
- To analyze the genetic structure and evolutionary dynamics of the D12S67 locus in primates.
Main Methods:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of D12S66 and D12S67 in primate DNA.
- Allele sizing and characterization using gel electrophoresis.
- DNA sequencing of the D12S67 locus.
Main Results:
- D12S66 and D12S67 were successfully amplified in diverse ape and monkey species.
- Macaca mulatta exhibited 5 alleles at D12S66 and 17 alleles at D12S67.
- D12S67 alleles showed two distinct size groups, with shorter alleles having one (GATA)n repeat and longer alleles having two.
- Significant size variation (108 bp to 364 bp) was observed at D12S67 across primate species, suggesting recurrent mutations.
Conclusions:
- The (GATA)n microsatellites D12S66 and D12S67 are conserved across primate species.
- The D12S67 locus displays substantial evolutionary plasticity, characterized by structural variations and recurrent mutations, contributing to its wide size range in primates.