NRAMP1 polymorphism in a hybrid population between Japanese and Taiwanese macaques in Wakayama, Japan

A macaque population produced by the hybridization of native Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and introduced Taiwanese macaques (M. cyclopis) in Wakayama Prefecture was shown to possess three DNA haplotypes of the natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (NRAMP1). Based on genotyping and comparison with M. fuscata populations, it was revealed that the introduced M. cyclopis population was polymorphic for the NRAMP1 locus. Extensive crossbreeding of the introduced species with the native species was confirmed using this genetic marker and the proportion of M. cyclopis genes was 57.4%. Results of statistical tests suggested non-random mating in the hybrid population.     

Male Social Behavior and Dominance Hierarchy in the Sulawesi Crested Black Macaque (Macaca nigra)

In a 6-week study of the social behavior of wild Sulawesi crested black macaques (Macaca nigra), we found a linear and transitive dominance hierarchy among the six adult males in one social group. Dominance rank, as determined by the direction of supplantations, correlated strongly with percentage of time near more than four neighbors, frequency of grooming received from adult females, and percentage of time with an adult female as nearest neighbor. These results suggest that high-ranking males are socially attractive. Adult females sexually solicited high-ranking males more often than low-ranking males, but frequency of copulation was not correlated with dominance rank. Frequency and intensity of aggression between males are strongly correlated with rank distance, but aggression toward females was greatest for mid-ranking males. Males of all rank displayed significantly more aggression toward sexually receptive females than toward females in other estrous states. These data indicate that male Sulawesi crested black macaques display a social organization similar to that reported for multimale groups in other macaque species rather than the egalitarian social organization described for female Sulawesi macaques.     

Hierarchy,kinship and social interaction among Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

The study reports the relationship between hierarchy, genetic relatedness and social interaction in captive Japanese macaques. Grooming and proximity were found to be positively related to both dominance rank and degrees of relatedness. Ranks also positively correlated with threats while no relationship was observed between genetic relationships and agonistic interactions. The removal of a-male tightened the male hierarchy while the female hierarchy became relatively loose. Affiliative behaviour became more correlated with ranks than degrees of genetic relatedness. In the absence of α-male, the next dominant male avoided involvement in either agonistic or afliliative interactions with reintroduced animals and group females.     

Comparative Genomic Sequence Analysis of the FXR Gene Family: FMR1, FXR1, and FXR2

Mutations in the X-linked gene FMR1 cause fragile X syndrome, the leading cause of inherited mental retardation. Two autosomal paralogs of FMR1 have been identified, and are known as FXR1 and FXR2. Here we describe and compare the genomic structures of the mouse and human genes FMR1, FXR1, and FXR2. All three genes are very well conserved from mouse to human, with identical exon sizes for all but two FXR2 exons. In addition, the three genes share a conserved gene structure, suggesting they are derived from a common ancestral gene. As a first step towards exploring this hypothesis, we reexamined the Drosophila melanogaster gene Fmr1, and found it to have several of the same intron/exon junctions as the mammalian FXRs. Finally, we noted several regions of mouse/human homology in the noncoding portions of FMR1 and FXR1. Knowledge of the genomic structure and sequence of the FXR family of genes will facilitate further studies into the function of these proteins.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Macaca munzala</Emphasis>: A New Species from Western Arunachal Pradesh,Northeastern India<Superscript>*</Superscript>

Macaca, comprising 20 well-characterized species, represents the largest and one of the most ecologically and socially diverse of all the nonhuman primate genera. We report the discovery of a macaque that is new to science from the high altitudes of western Arunachal Pradesh, a biodiversity-rich state in northeastern India. We propose the scientific name Macaca munzala and the vernacular name Arunachal macaque for the species. It shares morphological characteristics independently with the Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis) and with the Tibetan macaque M. thibetana; like them, it appears to belong to the sinica species-group of the genus. However, the species is distinctive in relative tail length, which is intermediate between those of Tibetan and Western Assamese macaques, the subspecies with which it is sympatric. It is also unique in its altitudinal distribution, occurring largely at altitudes between 2000 and 3500 m. We provide a morphological characterization of the species, report preliminary data on its field biology and discuss possible taxonomic identity in relation to the other closely-related species of Macaca.^*This paper is dedicated to Dr. A. J. T. Johnsingh for his immense contributions to the study and conservation of India’s wildlife and for being an inspiration to a whole generation of students.     

Plastid-to-nucleus signalling

The function of the eukaryotic cell depends on the reciprocal interaction between its different compartments. Plastids emit signals that regulate nuclear gene expression to ensure the stoichiometric assembly of plastid protein complexes and to initiate macromolecular reorganisation in response to environmental cues. It is now clear that several different plastid processes produce signals that influence the expression of photosynthetic genes in the nucleus. The genome uncoupled (gun) mutants recently revealed one of the plastid signals, the chlorophyll intermediate Mg-protoporphyrinIX.     

Comparative Genomic Analysis of Genes Encoding Translation Elongation Factor 1Bα in Human and Mouse Shows EEF1B1 to Be a Recent Retrotransposition Event

We have characterized genomic loci encoding translation elongation factor 1Bα (eEF1Bα) in mice and humans. Mice have a single structural locus (named Eef1b2) spanning six exons, which is ubiquitously expressed and maps close to Casp8 on mouse chromosome 1, and a processed pseudogene. Humans have a single intron-containing locus, EEF1B2, which maps to 2q33, and an intronless paralogue expressed only in brain and muscle (EEF1B3). Another locus described previously, EEF1B1, is actually a processed pseudogene on chromosome 15 corresponding to an alternative splice form of EEF1B2. Our study illustrates the value of comparative mapping in distinguishing between processed pseudogenes and intronless paralogues.     

Signalling molecules and blast pathogen attack activates rice OsPR1a and OsPR1b genes: A model illustrating components participating during defence/stress response

Recently the rice (Oryza sativa L.) OsPR1a and OsPR1b genes were primarily characterized against jasmonic acid, ethylene and protein phosphatase 2A inhibitors. The dicot PR1 are recognized as reliable marker genes in defence/stress responses, and we also propose OsPR1 as marker genes in rice, a model monocot crop genus. Therefore, to gain further insight into the expression/regulation of OsPR1 genes, we characterized their activation against signalling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the blast pathogen Magnaporthe grisea. Here, we report that SA and H₂O₂ strongly induced the mRNA level of both OsPR1 genes, whereas ABA was found to be moderately effective. These inductions were specific in nature and required a de novo synthesized protein factor. A potential interaction amongst the signalling molecules in modulating the expression of OsPR1 genes was observed. Moreover, a specific induction of OsPR1 expression in an incompatible versus compatible host-pathogen interaction was also found. Finally, based on our present and previous results, a model of OsPR1 expression/regulation has been proposed, which reveals their essential role in defence/stress responses in rice and use as potent gene markers.     

Evaluating Dominance Styles in Assamese and Rhesus Macaques

Researchers have suggested that several types of agonistic and affiliative behavior covary as a set of species-specific traits, and have used the term dominance style to describe the covariation. We compared measures of dominance style between a group of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) and a group of rhesus macaques (M. mulatta), though kinship information was unknown. Assamese and rhesus female-female dyads each showed a low proportion of counter aggression and a low conciliatory tendency, suggesting that they have despotic social relationships. They also showed a despotic pattern on several other types of agonistic and affiliative behavior, such as approach outcomes and grooming distributions, which is consistent with the covariation of dominance style traits. Assamese male-male dyads showed relatively high levels of reconciliation and counter aggression versus other macaque males portrayed in the literature, suggesting that Assamese males have a tolerant dominance style. Insofar as macaque dominance style depends on the behavior of females, we suggest that Assamese macaques, like rhesus macaques, have despotic social relationships, which contrasts with evidence of a strong correlation between phylogeny and dominance style in macaques. Further, our results indicate that strong male bonding and tolerant dominance relationships among males are independent of female dominance style. Lastly, some measures of agonistic behavior, such as rate of aggression or proportion of bites, are likely altered in competitive environments and thus are not useful indicators of dominance style.     

Nucleotide Sequence, Genomic Organization, and Chromosomal Localization of Genes Encoding the Human NMDA Receptor Subunits NR3A and NR3B

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are glutamate-regulated ion channels that are critically involved in important physiological and pathological functions of the mammalian central nervous system. We have identified and characterized the gene encoding the human NMDA receptor subunit NR3A (GRIN3A), as well as the gene (GRIN3B) encoding an entirely novel subunit that we named NR3B, as it is most closely related to NR3A (57.4% identity). GRIN3A localizes to chromosome 9q34, in the region 13-34, and consists of nine coding exons. The deduced protein contains 1115 amino acids and shows 92.7% identity to rat NR3A. GRIN3B localizes to chromosome 19p13.3 and contains, as does the mouse NR3B gene (Grin3b), eight coding exons. The deduced proteins of human and mouse NR3B contain 901 and 900 amino acid residues, respectively (81.6% identity). In situ hybridization shows a widespread distribution of Grin3b mRNA in the brain of the adult rat.     

The functional significance of absence: the chromosomal segment harboring Tp53 is absent from the T55 rat radiation hybrid mapping panel

The T55 rat radiation hybrid (RH) mapping panel has been reported to retain the entire rat genome at retention frequencies between 22% and 37%. However, we found that a small segment of rat chromosome 10 harboring at least four different genes, including Tp53, was completely absent from the panel (retention frequency = 0%). Two other markers located in the vicinity exhibited much reduced retention (2-6%). RH clones are generated by transferring highly fragmented DNA into a recipient cell. There might be a strong selection against the transfer and retention of chromosome segments harboring an intact Tp53, as the action of this gene might prevent proliferation and establishment of the RH clone. Our finding further suggests that unexpected low retention or absence of chromosome segments in an RH panel may represent indications that the segments harbor genes with important functions in cell proliferation control.     

TTYH2, a human homologue of the Drosophila melanogaster gene tweety, is located on 17q24 and upregulated in renal cell carcinoma

Using differential display PCR, we identified a novel gene upregulated in renal cell carcinoma. Characterization of the full-length cDNA and gene revealed that the encoded protein is a human homologue of the Drosophila melanogaster Tweety protein, and so we have termed the novel protein TTYH2. The orthologous mouse cDNA was also identified and the predicted mouse protein is 81% identical to the human protein. The encoded human TTYH2 protein is 534 amino acids and, like the other members of the tweety-related protein family, is a putative cell surface protein with five transmembrane regions. TTYH2 is located at 17q24; it is expressed most highly in brain and testis and at lower levels in heart, ovary, spleen, and peripheral blood leukocytes. Expression of this gene is upregulated in 13 of 16 (81%) renal cell carcinoma samples examined. In addition to a putative role in brain and testis, the over-expression of TTYH2 in renal cell carcinoma suggests that it may have an important role in kidney tumorigenesis.     

Spectrum and frequency of jagged1 (JAG1) mutations in Alagille syndrome patients and their families.

Alagille syndrome (AGS) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by liver disease in combination with heart, skeletal, ocular, facial, renal, and pancreatic abnormalities. We have recently demonstrated that Jagged1 (JAG1) is the AGS gene. JAG1 encodes a ligand in the Notch intercellular signaling pathway. AGS is the first developmental disorder to be associated with this pathway and the first human disorder caused by a Notch ligand. We have screened 54 AGS probands and family members to determine the frequency of mutations in JAG1. Three patients (6%) had deletions of the entire gene. Of the remaining 51 patients, 35 (69%) had mutations within JAG1, identified by SSCP analysis. Of the 35 identified intragenic mutations, all were unique, with the exceptions of a 5-bp deletion in exon 16, seen in two unrelated patients, and a C insertion at base 1618 in exon 9, also seen in two unrelated patients. The 35 intragenic mutations included 9 nonsense mutations (26%); 2 missense mutations (6%); 11 small deletions (31%), 8 small insertions (23%), and 1 complex rearrangement (3%), all leading to frameshifts; and 4 splice-site mutations (11%). The mutations are spread across the coding sequence of the gene within the evolutionarily conserved motifs of the JAG1 protein. There is no phenotypic difference between patients with deletions of the entire JAG1 gene and those with intragenic mutations, which suggests that one mechanism involved in AGS is haploinsufficiency. The two missense mutations occur at the same amino acid residue. The mechanism by which these missense mutations lead to the disease is not yet understood; however, they suggest that mechanisms other than haploinsufficiency may result in the AGS phenotype.     

Interactions between the tomato spotted wilt virus movement protein and plant proteins showing homologies to myosin, kinesin and DnaJ-like chaperones

The non-structural protein encoded by the M RNA segment (NSm) of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) has been implicated in cell-to-cell movement of nucleocapsids through modified plasmodesmata. Recently, DnaJ-like proteins from Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and Arabidopsis thaliana have been identified as NSm interacting host proteins, implying an involvement of molecular chaperones during systemic spread of the virus or other, presently unknown NSm-mediated virus functions. Examination of additional TSWV host plants and improvement of yeast two-hybrid interaction trap experiments led to the isolation of a DnaJ-like protein from Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) and the identification of a protein from A. thaliana sharing some homologies with myosin and kinesin-like polypeptides. Sequence alignments of the tomato DnaJ-like protein unveiled the corresponding gene as an orthologue to the tobacco and A. thaliana DnaJ genes, substantiating that NSm interacting DnaJ-like polypeptides, identified from three different TSWV host species, apparently form a subgroup distinct from archetypical DnaJ chaperones. Increased levels of DnaJ-like proteins could be detected in TSWV systemically infected leaves and in plants exposed to heat shock, showing that the NSm interacting DnaJ-like chaperones are inducible upon biotic and abiotic stress. All together, the identification of DnaJ-like proteins and a protein resembling myosin and kinesin as NSm interacting plant proteins is in accordance with results accomplished for movement proteins from other plant attacking viruses showing an involvement of molecular chaperones and the cytoskeleton in at least intracellular trafficking.     

Female menstrual cyclicity and sexual behavior in stumptail Macaques (Macaca arctoides)

The sexual behavior and female reproductive cycles of a captive group of stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides)were monitored during a 12-month period. The data, consisting of 303 ad libitummounts and copulations and 125 hr of focal-female testing, were analyzed by their frequency of occurrence during the three hormonal phases of the female menstrual cycle. Regularly cycling females exhibited statistically higher frequencies of all sexual behaviors compared to the amenorrheal controls. Contrary to previous reports which indicate no variation in sexual behavior throughout the reproductive cycle in this species, our data show marked increases in copulations during the periovulatory phase. Male dominance rank is associated with sexual behavior only at midcycle.     

Individual differences in play inMacaca fuscata: The role of maternal status and proximity

Dominant and subordinate Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)females displayed differential treatment of offspring with respect to play. Offspring of more dominant females were more often observed in play than the offspring of a lowranking female. The levels of play in all juveniles varied as a function of the distance from the mother; play was more likely to occur at distances of greater than 3 m from the mother than at closer distances. Unlike the dominant females, the subordinate female maintained excessive contact with and proximity to her offspring. Mothers determined the complexity of the social environment in which their offspring matured by influencing the extent and nature of the peer play experiences of their offspring. This report is based on part of a master’s thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master’s of Arts in Animal Behavior.     

Male Behavior and Regulation of Worker Mating in a Ponerine Ant, Pachycondyla (Bothroponera) sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Male behavior and regulation of worker mating were observed in Indonesian Pachycondyla sp. The colonies had some mated workers but only one gamergate (mated and egg-laying workers). Males frequently tried to mate with workers in their natal nests irrespective of worker age and dominance rank, however, workers never accepted mounting of nestmate males. Worker mating occurred only under the gamergateless condition with alien males.     

Do Barbary macaques ‘comment’ on what they see? A first report on vocalizations accompanying interactions of third parties

Primates acquire knowledge about relationships of third parties and group structure by monitoring their conspecifics. We show that Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus) utter specific vocalizations while monitoring interactions of other group members. As they did not direct other behaviours to the interacting group members, we provisionally termed these vocalizations vocal comments. We investigated the acoustic properties of these comments and the social contexts in which they occurred. Most adult males and females of two studied groups produced low-amplitude calls when observing close contact interactions of other group members. The acoustic features of these calls varied with characteristics of the commented situation. Our results suggest that such calls might not be directed towards the agents of the commented situation, but towards other group members. The vocal comments may signal the callers awareness of the observed interaction and possibly attract the attention of others to the situation.