Project description:It has been thought that epigenetic changes underlie the evolutionary divergence of phenotype between closely related species. However, the manner in which epigenetic changes are generated remains unknown. Although whole-genome DNA methylation profiles in some somatic tissues and sperm have been reported for humans and chimpanzees, a systematic analysis of these data has been lacking. In this manuscript, therefore, we analyzed these methylomes in detail, identified genomic regions with different DNA methylation levels, and examined the cell-type specificity and its association with changes in genomic sequence. Moreover, we generated a methylation map of Japanese macaque sperm and used it as an out-group to infer the evolutional history of methylation in these regions.
Project description:Japanese macaques learn to use rakes to acquire food, and this learning is associated with rapid electrophysiological and morphological changes in the brain. To examine the molecular mechanisms of these plastic changes, we performed comprehensive gene expression analysis with a cDNA microarray and identified many candidate genes.
Project description:Japanese macaques learn to use rakes to acquire food, and this learning is associated with rapid electrophysiological and morphological changes in the brain. To examine the molecular mechanisms of these plastic changes, we performed comprehensive gene expression analysis with a cDNA microarray and identified many candidate genes. We compared gene expressions between experimental (Rhesus_E) and control (Rhesus_C) animals from Surrounding areas of the lateral sulcus. We also compared gene expressions between experimental (IPS_E) and control (IPS_C) animals from Surrounding areas of the Intraparietal sulcus.
Project description:Cannabis is commonly used amongst reproductive age males. Our group and others have shown that chronic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) use adversely impacts male fertility, but less is known about the potential reversibility of these changes. Our study’s objective was to determine if THC discontinuation mitigates THC-associated changes in male reproductive health using a rhesus macaque (RM) model of daily THC edible consumption over a 280-day period (4 spermatogenic cycles). Testicular volume, serum male hormones, semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, seminal fluid proteomics, and whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) of sperm DNA were assessed at pre-THC, moderate-THC, and heavy-THC dosing, and at 70 and 140 days after THC discontinuation. Chronic THC use resulted in significant testicular atrophy, increased gonadotropins, decreased serum sex steroids, and increased DNA fragmentation. THC discontinuation led to partial recovery of testicular volume, sex steroids and sperm DNA integrity. Seminal fluid proteome analysis revealed differential expression of proteins enriched for processes related to cellular secretion, immune response, and fibrinolysis. WGBS identified significant differential methylation in heavy-THC versus pre-THC sperm, with partial restoration of methylation after discontinuation of THC. Genes associated with differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were enriched for pathways involved in nervous system development and function. This is the first study demonstrating that chronic THC use in RMs adversely impacts male reproductive health, methylation of genes involved in development, and expression of proteins important for male fertility. THC discontinuation improves impacts to male fertility, including partial restoration of THC-associated sperm DMRs in genes important for development.
Project description:Macaque species share over 93% genome homology with humans and develop many disease phenotypes similar to those of humans, making them valuable animal models for the study of human diseases (e.g.,HIV and neurodegenerative diseases). However, the quality of genome assembly and annotation for several macaque species lags behind the human genome effort. To close this gap and enhance functional genomics approaches, we employed a combination of de novo linked-read assembly and scaffolding using proximity ligation assay (HiC) to assemble the pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemestrina) genome. This combinatorial method yielded large scaffolds at chromosome-level with a scaffold N50 of 127.5 Mb; the 23 largest scaffolds covered 90% of the entire genome. This assembly revealed large-scale rearrangements between pig-tailed macaque chromosomes 7, 12, and 13 and human chromosomes 2, 14, and 15. We subsequently annotated the genome using transcriptome and proteomics data from personalized induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from the same animal. Reconstruction of the evolutionary tree using whole genome annotation and orthologous comparisons among three macaque species, human and mouse genomes revealed extensive homology between human and pig-tailed macaques with regards to both pluripotent stem cell genes and innate immune gene pathways. Our results confirm that rhesus and cynomolgus macaques exhibit a closer evolutionary distance to each other than either species exhibits to humans or pig-tailed macaques. These findings demonstrate that pig-tailed macaques can serve as an excellent animal model for the study of many human diseases particularly with regards to pluripotency and innate immune pathways.