DNA Sequences and Fingerprints from Chimpanzee Hair: A New Approach to Establishing Genetic and Evolutionary Relationships

我们的非人类灵长类近亲的遗传学研究一直受到从活组织中获取样本进行分析的侵入性的阻碍。现在有可能从毛发中提取足够的DNA，这些DNA可以很容易地非侵入性地获得，甚至可以从野生动物的栖息地的巢中获得。在这项研究中，毛发将作为DNA的主要来源，用于确定两种黑猩猩的遗传关系。选定的核和线粒体基因片段将通过聚合酶链式反应(PCR)进行酶扩增，并直接测序或分析大小多态。在大多数被研究的个体中，六个或更多基因座的序列将进行分支比较，以解决谱系和系统发育关系、基因流和交配系统的问题。在与Oliver Ryder博士的合作下，PI将研究种群内变异，并为两个著名的繁殖群体建立正式的遗传谱系：圣地亚哥动物园的泛猩猩和北卡罗来纳州动物园的泛猩猩。在与简·古德尔博士的合作下，国际和平研究所将研究坦桑尼亚贡贝国家公园潘氏人卡萨克拉群落成员的基因变异。将尝试对这一黑猩猩群体进行30年的追溯遗传谱系。通过使用对黑猩猩毛发样本进行分析的聚合酶链式反应方法，将可能获得以前无法获得的遗传信息。

Study of the genetics of our non-human primate relatives has been hampered by the invasive nature of obtaining samples for analysis from living tissue. Now it is possible to obtain sufficient DNA from hair which can easily be obtained non- invasively, even from the nests of wild animals in their native habitat. In this study hair will be used as the prime source of DNA for determining genetic relationships in two species of chimpanzees. Segments of selected nuclear and mitochondrial genes will be amplified enzymatically by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced directly or analyzed for size polymorphism. In most individuals studied, sequences at six or more loci will be compared cladistically to address questions of pedigree and phylogenetic relationships, gene flow, and mating systems. In collaboration with Dr. Oliver Ryder, the PI will study intrapopulation variation and develop formal genetic pedigrees for two well known breeding colonies: Pan pansicus at the San Diego Zoo, and Pan troglodytes at the North Carolina Zoological Park. In collaboration with Dr. Jane Goodall, the PI will study genetic variation in members of the Kasakela community of Pan troglodytes at Gombe National Park, Tanzania. A 30-year retrospective genetic pedigree for this community of chimpanzees will be attempted. By using the PCR method of analysis on samples of chimpanzee hair, it will be possible to obtain genetic information not previously obtainable.