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亲戚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获得足够的DNA，这种DNA可以很容易地非侵入性地获得，甚至可以从野生动物的原生栖息地的巢穴中获得。在这项研究中，毛发将被用作确定两种黑猩猩遗传关系的DNA的主要来源。选择的核和线粒体基因片段将通过聚合酶链反应（PCR）进行酶扩增，并直接测序或分析大小多态性。在大多数被研究的个体中，6个或更多位点的序列将进行进化比较，以解决系谱和系统发育关系、基因流动和交配系统的问题。在与奥利弗·莱德博士的合作下，PI将研究种群内变异，并为两个著名的繁殖群体——圣地亚哥动物园的潘潘斯和北卡罗来纳动物园的潘类人猿——建立正式的遗传谱系。在与简·古道尔博士的合作下，PI将研究坦桑尼亚贡贝国家公园的潘族穴居人Kasakela群落成员的遗传变异。将尝试对这个黑猩猩群体进行30年的回顾性遗传谱系分析。通过对黑猩猩毛发样本进行PCR分析，将有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.