Accurate macaque paternity identification is of great significance in various fields,yet relevant research remains scarce.Our study aimed to screen effective microsatellite markers for macaque paternity testing.Initia...Accurate macaque paternity identification is of great significance in various fields,yet relevant research remains scarce.Our study aimed to screen effective microsatellite markers for macaque paternity testing.Initially,300 microsatellite markers were randomly selected from the genome of the crab-eating macaque(Macaca fascicularis),and 12 highly polymorphic tetra-nucleotide repeat markers were identified.These markers'genetic parameters and exclusion probabilities in both crab-eating and rhesus macaque(Macaca mulatta)populations were calculated,meeting the paternity testing requirements for both species.To validate the markers,16 crab-eating macaque and 10 rhesus macaque families with known pedigrees were randomly chosen for testing.The genotypes of the 12 markers in the macaques'offspring could be traced back to their parents,confirming the accuracy and applicability of the marker combination for paternity identification in both macaque species.展开更多
Background:Non-human primates(NPHs),such as rhesus macaques,cynomol-gus monkeys,and Assamese macaques,play a crucial role in biomedical research.However,baseline cytokine and electrolyte data for these three species,p...Background:Non-human primates(NPHs),such as rhesus macaques,cynomol-gus monkeys,and Assamese macaques,play a crucial role in biomedical research.However,baseline cytokine and electrolyte data for these three species,particularly data stratified by age and sex,are limited.Therefore,the aim of this study was to establish and analyze age-and sex-specific cytokine and electrolyte profiles in these three species.Methods:This study included 40 rhesus macaques(21 males,19 females),33 cyn-omolgus monkeys(17 males,16 females),and 45 Assamese macaques(25 males,20 females)classified by age(1-5 years,6-12 years,>13 years)and sex.The levels of 23 immune function indicators and 5 electrolyte indicators were measured.Results:Among the three monkey species,the levels of sCD40L,IL-18,MCP-1,MIP-1β,TGFa,K^(+),Na^(+),and Cl^(-)exhibited species-,sex-,and age-related differences.Comparison within the same species,sex had no significant impact on cytokine levels in NHPs but did affect electrolyte levels,particularly Cl^(-)and Na^(+)levels,in cynomol-gus monkeys and Assamese macaques.Electrolyte levels in NHPs were not affected by age,whereas the levels of certain cytokines,particularly sCD40L,GM-CSF,and IL-10,varied with age.The remaining 21 cytokines demonstrated no significant age-related changes.Conclusions:Significant variations in cytokine and electrolyte levels exist among dif-ferent monkey species,sexes,and age groups.This research provides valuable re-sources for NHP researchers and sets the stage for further exploring the impacts of sex and age on NHP physiology and immune function.展开更多
Adolescent depression is increasingly recognized as a serious mental health disorder with distinct clinical and molecular features.Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing,we identified cell-specific transcriptomic changes...Adolescent depression is increasingly recognized as a serious mental health disorder with distinct clinical and molecular features.Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing,we identified cell-specific transcriptomic changes in the nucleus accumbens(NAc),particularly in astrocytes,of adolescent macaques exhibiting depressive-like behaviors.The level of diacylglycerol kinase beta was significantly reduced in neurons and glial cells of depressed macaques,while FKBP5 levels increased in glial cells.Disruption of GABAergic synapses and disruption of D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism were linked to depressive phenotypes in medium spiny neurons(MSNs)and subtypes of astrocytes.Communication pathways between astrocytes and D1/D2-MSNs were also disrupted,involving factors like bone morphogenetic protein-6 and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase-4.Bulk transcriptomic and proteomic analyses corroborated these findings,and FKBP5 upregulation was confirmed by qRT-PCR,western blotting,and immunofluorescence in the NAc of rats and macaques with chronic unpredictable mild stress.Our results highlight the specific roles of different cell types in adolescent depression in the NAc,offering potential targets for new antidepressant therapies.展开更多
Infant-care behavior,a range of caring behaviors by parental or alloparental individuals towards infants unable to live independently,plays asignifcant role in the survival of infants and the continuation of the speci...Infant-care behavior,a range of caring behaviors by parental or alloparental individuals towards infants unable to live independently,plays asignifcant role in the survival of infants and the continuation of the species in non-human primates.During a behavioral ecological study ofTaihangshan macaques,we observed 2 cases of infant adoptions by unrelated adult females.In case 1,a multiparous female adopted a lostinfant from a neighboring group,with the infant being snatched back by her biological mother 35 days after the adoption.This is the frst report ofcross-group adoption in Macaca.In case 2,a nulliparous adult female,who had been once adopted by her elder sister,adopted an orphan fromher group for 36 days.We describe the details of adoptions in Taihangshan macaques and explore possible reasons for adoptions to contributeto understanding the evolution of infant-care behavior and altruistic behavior of adoption in primates.展开更多
Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta, MMU)and crab-eating macaques(M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as...Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta, MMU)and crab-eating macaques(M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as crucial nonhuman primate biomedical models with different phenotypes. To date, however, large-scale comparative transcriptome research between these two species has not yet been fully explored. Here, we conducted systematic comparisons utilizing newly sequenced RNA-seq data from84 samples(41 MFA samples and 43 MMU samples)encompassing 14 common tissues. Our findings revealed a small fraction of genes(3.7%) with differential expression between the two species, as well as 36.5% of genes with tissue-specific expression in both macaques. Comparison of gene expression between macaques and humans indicated that 22.6% of orthologous genes displayed differential expression in at least two tissues. Moreover,19.41% of genes that overlapped with macaque-specific structural variants showed differential expression between humans and macaques. Of these, the FAM220A gene exhibited elevated expression in humans compared to macaques due to lineage-specific duplication. In summary,this study presents a large-scale transcriptomic comparison between MMU and MFA and between macaques and humans. The discovery of gene expression variations not only enhances the biomedical utility of macaque models but also contributes to the wider field of primate genomics.展开更多
As an essential transcriptional activator,PDX1 plays a crucial role in pancreatic development andβ-cell function.Mutations in the PDX1 gene may lead to type 4 maturityonset diabetes of the young(MODY4)and neonatal di...As an essential transcriptional activator,PDX1 plays a crucial role in pancreatic development andβ-cell function.Mutations in the PDX1 gene may lead to type 4 maturityonset diabetes of the young(MODY4)and neonatal diabetes mellitus.However,the precise mechanisms underlying MODY4 remain elusive due to the paucity of clinical samples and pronounced differences in pancreatic architecture and genomic composition between humans and existing animal models.In this study,three PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaques were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,all of which succumbed shortly postpartum,exhibiting pancreatic agenesis.Notably,one tri-allelic PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaque(designated as M4)developed a pancreas,whereas the two monoallelic PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaques displayed no anatomical evidence of pancreatic formation.RNA sequencing of the M4 pancreas revealed substantial molecular changes in both endocrine and exocrine functions,indicating developmental delay and PDX1haploinsufficiency.A marked change in m6A methylation was identified in the M4 pancreas,confirmed through cultured PDX1-mutantisletorganoids.Notably,overexpression of the m6A modulator METTL3 restored function in heterozygous PDX1-mutant islet organoids.This study highlights a novel role of m6A methylation modification in the progression of MODY4 and provides valuable molecular insights for preclinical research.展开更多
Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling me...Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling method and continuous recording were used to investigate seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in five male Tibetan macaques （Macaca thibetana） at Mt. Huangshan from Oct 2005 to Sept 2006. Both copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors （i.e., sexual chase, grimace, and sexual-inspection）, which were significantly higher in the mating season than non-mating season. Furthermore, seasonal variations of sexual behaviors, including copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors, were synchronized among males. The results shed light on sexual competition and tactics for reproductive success of male M. thibetana and other non-human primates with seasonal breeding.展开更多
Microbial translocation is a cause of systemic immune activation in HIV/SIV infection. In the present study, we found a lower CD8+ T cell activation level in Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaques, NPMs) than in...Microbial translocation is a cause of systemic immune activation in HIV/SIV infection. In the present study, we found a lower CD8+ T cell activation level in Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaques, NPMs) than in Macaca mulatta (Chinese rhesus macaques, ChRMs) during SIVmac239 infection. Furthermore, the levels of plasma LPS-binding protein and soluble CD14 in NPMs were lower than those in ChRMs. Compared with ChRMs, SIV-infected NPMs had lower Chiu scores, representing relatively normal intestinal mucosa. In addition, no obvious damage to the ileum or colon epithelial barrier was observed in either infected or uninfected NPMs, which differed to that found in ChRMs. Furthermore, no significant microbial translocation (Escherichia coli) was detected in the colon or ileum of infected or uninfected NPMs, which again differed to that observed in ChRMs. In conclusion, NPMs retained superior intestinal integrity and limited microbial translocation during SIV infection, which may contribute to their lower immune activation compared with ChRMs.展开更多
In some non-human primates, infants function as a social tool that can bridge relationships among group members. Infants are a desired commodity for group members, and mothers control access to them. The biological ma...In some non-human primates, infants function as a social tool that can bridge relationships among group members. Infants are a desired commodity for group members, and mothers control access to them. The biological market theory suggests that grooming is widespread and represents a commodity that can be exchanged for infant handling. As a limited resource, however, the extent to which infants are interchanged between mothers(females with an infant) and non-mothers(potential handlers,females without an infant) remains unclear. In this study, we collected behavioral data to investigate the relationship between grooming and infant handling in free-ranging Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana)at Mt. Huangshan, China. Our results showed that females with infants received more grooming than females without infants. After her infant was handled,mother females received more grooming than they did during daily grooming interactions. However, with the increasing number of infants within the social group, both the grooming that mothers received and the grooming that non-mothers invested for handling infants decreased. We also found that non-mothers invested more time in grooming to gain access to younger infants than older infants. Our results provide evidence that infants are social commodities for both mother and non-mother females. Mothers use infants for obtain grooming and non-mothers use grooming to gain access to infants. The current study implies a bidirectional and complex interchange pattern between grooming and infant handling to compensate for the dyadic grooming disparity in non-human primates.展开更多
Self-directed behavior(SDB) is characterized as an indicator of anxiety, frustration and stress in nonhuman primates. In this study, we collected self-directed behavior data from one group of free-ranging Tibetan maca...Self-directed behavior(SDB) is characterized as an indicator of anxiety, frustration and stress in nonhuman primates. In this study, we collected self-directed behavior data from one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana) at Mt. Huangshan, China(September 2012–May 2013) using a combination of behavioral sampling methods including focal animal sampling, behavioral sampling, continuous sampling and instantaneous sampling. Our results showed that females engaged in significantly higher rates of self-directed behavior when they were in proximity to dominant individuals compared to subordinate ones. Conflict losers significantly increased their SDB rates after agonistic episodes, indicating that SDB might also serve as an index of anxiety in M. thibetana. We further found that females significantly increased their SDB rates when focal individual was proximity to weakly affiliation relationship higher rank members than to strongly affiliation relationship higher rank members. If conflicts were not reconciled, the postconflict SDB rates of losers were higher when they stayed with strongly affiliation opponents; if conflicts were reconciled, victims of strongly affiliation relationships opponents engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation, while victims of moderately affiliation relationships opponents did not engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation. We conclude that both of dominance rank and affiliation relationships might both influence the SDB rates of female Tibetan macaques significantly, suggesting that SDB is not only an index of anxiety in Tibetan macaques, but also can provide a new insight into evaluation of social relationships between individuals.展开更多
Though females are generally more selective in mate choice, males may also benefit from mate choice if male reproductive success is limited by factors other than simply the number of female mates, and if females diffe...Though females are generally more selective in mate choice, males may also benefit from mate choice if male reproductive success is limited by factors other than simply the number of female mates, and if females differ in short-term reproductive potential. We studied male mate choice in a free-ranging troop of Tibetan macaques Macaca thibetana at Mt. Huangshan, China, from August 2007 to April 2008. We employed focal animal sampling and all occurrence sampling to record sexual related behaviors. Eight adult females were divided into three female quality categories according to the females＇ age, rank and parity. Using male mating effort as a proxy for male mate choice, we found that males do distinguish female quality and show time-variant mating strategies. Specifically, females with dominant rank, high fecundity, and middle age attracted significantly more males. Our results suggest that female short-term reproductive potential appears to be an important variable in determining male mating effort. Male Tibetan macaques do exercise mate choice for higher quality females as well as reduce useless reproductive cost, which is consistent with the direct benefits theory of mate choice.展开更多
Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques(Macaca fascicularis) are frequently used in establishing animal models for human diseases. To determine the differences in gut microbiota between these species, ...Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques(Macaca fascicularis) are frequently used in establishing animal models for human diseases. To determine the differences in gut microbiota between these species, rectal swabs from 20 rhesus macaques and 21 cynomolgus macaques were collected, and the microbial composition was examined by deep sequencing of the 16 S rR NA gene. We found that the rectal microbiota of cynomolgus macaques exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity than that of rhesus macaques, although the observed number of operational taxonomic units(OTUs) was almost the same. The dominant taxa at both the phylum and genus levels were similar between the two species, although the relative abundances of these dominant taxa were significantly different between them. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States(PICRUSt) showed significant differences in the functional components between the microbiota of the two species, in particular the lipopolysaccharide(LPS) synthesis proteins. The above data indicated significant differences in microbial composition and function between these two closely related macaque species, which should be taken into consideration in the future selection of these animals for disease models.展开更多
In order to discern dental morphometric variations among the Asian colobines, residuals of the colobines, derived from allometric baselines formed by the Asian macaques （Macaca）, were analyzed with Principal Compone...In order to discern dental morphometric variations among the Asian colobines, residuals of the colobines, derived from allometric baselines formed by the Asian macaques （Macaca）, were analyzed with Principal Components Analysis and Euclidean Distances. Results indicated that the widely accepted view that the colobines possess relatively smaller front teeth than the macaques is only the case for the first incisors. The colobines show relatively smaller molars than the macaques. Such profiles may be related to the differences in dietary preferences between the two major groups of the Asian Old World monkeys. The magnitude of such differences is not as great as usullay assumed for the two groups that contain both African and Asian taxa. In other words, the two Asian cercopithecoid groups may have homogenously been shaped by the tectonic modifications and climate alterations in the past five million years. There exist marked differences among the Asian colobines when each of the genera is compared with macaques; the dental profile reflects not only the variation in geographic distribution but also in phylogenetic divergence. Thus, the snub-nosed monkeys （Rhinopithecus） and the gray langurs （Semnopithecus） are characterized by relatively larger molars than the other colobines - larger even than those of the macaques. The differences among Asian colobines, depicted by Euclidean Distances, seems to reflect the relationship of the phylogeny and evolution between colobines and cercopithecines.展开更多
In animal societies,some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress.Such stressors,like social rank,also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases.However,the physiological rel...In animal societies,some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress.Such stressors,like social rank,also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases.However,the physiological relationship between social rank and stress varies between different species,as well as within groups of a single species.For example,dominant individuals are more socially stressed at times,while at other times it is the subordinate ones who experience this stress.Together,these variations make it difficult to assess disease vulnerability as connected to social interactions.In order to learn more about how physiological rank relationships vary between groups of a single species,cortisol measurements from hair samples were used to evaluate the effects of dominance rank on long-term stress levels in despotic and less stringent female rhesus macaque hierarchal groups.In despotic groups,cortisol levels were found not to be correlated with social rank,but a negative correlation was found between social rank and cortisol levels in less stringent hierarchies.Low ranking monkeys in less stringent groups secreted elevated levels of cortisol compared to higher ranking animals.These data suggest that variations in the strictness of the dominance hierarchy are determining factors in rank related stress physiology.The further consideration of nonhuman primate social system diversity and the linear degree of their hierarchies may allow for the development of valid rank-related stress models that will help increase our understanding and guide the development of new therapeutics for diseases related to human socioeconomic status.展开更多
Leadership is a key issue in the study of collective behavior in social animals.Affiliation-leadership models predict that dyadic partner preferences based on grooming relationships or allianee formation positively af...Leadership is a key issue in the study of collective behavior in social animals.Affiliation-leadership models predict that dyadic partner preferences based on grooming relationships or allianee formation positively affect an in dividua I's decision to follow or support a con spec ific.In the case of many primate species,females without young infants are attracted to mother-infant dyads.However,the effects of mother-infant-female associations on affiliation-leadership models remain less clear.In free-rangi ng Tibeta n macaques Macaca thibetana,we used social network analysis to examine the importance of mother-inf a nt-adult female"social bridging eve nts as a predictor of who leads and who follows during group movement.Social bridging is a common behavior in Tibetan macaques and occurs whe n 2 adults,gen erally females,engage in coordinated in fa nt handling.Using eigenvector centrality coefficients of social bridging as a measure of social affiliation,we found that among lactating females,initiating bridging behavior with another female played a sign讦icant role in leadership success,with the assisting female following the mother during group movement.Among non lactati ng females,this was not the case.Our results in dicate that in fa nt attracti on can be a strong trigger in collective action and directing group movement in Tibetan macaques and provides benefits to mothers who require helpers and social support in order to ensure the safety of their infants.Our study provides new insights into the importance of the third-party effect in rethinking affiliation-leadership models in group-living animals.展开更多
AIM: To investigate inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immunity. METHODS: Ten macaques were randomized into control a...AIM: To investigate inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immunity. METHODS: Ten macaques were randomized into control and IIR groups. The distribution and expression level of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B p65 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were measured by immunohistochemical stain and western blotting. The mRNA expression of TLR4, TLR2, MD2, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The cytokine levels in blood and intestinal tissues were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Obvious hemorrhage and erosion of mucosae were seen in the IIR group. Expression of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, NF-kappa B p65 and IFN-gamma. was significantly higher in the IIR group than in the control group (0.13 +/- 0.04, 0.22 +/- 0.04, 0.16 +/- 0.06, 0.65 +/- 0.12, 0.38 +/- 0.10 vs 0.07 +/- 0.04, 0.08 +/- 0.03, 0.04 +/- 0.02, 0.19 +/- 0.06, 0.14 +/- 0.05, P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha mRNA in the IIR group were significantly higher than those of control group(1.52 +/- 0.15, 1.39 +/- 0.06, 1.94 +/- 0.12, 1.48 +/- 0.15, 0.66 +/- 0.08 vs 0.31 +/- 0.05, 0.5 +/- 0.04, 0.77 +/- 0.05, 0.35 +/- 0.08, 0.18 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05). Furthermore, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in the macaques ileum and plasma were significantly higher than in the control group (plasma: 86.3 +/- 15.2, 1129 +/- 248.3, 77.8 +/- 16.2 vs 29.5 +/- 7.3, 19.8 +/- 8.2, 5.6 +/- 1.7; ileum: 273.4. +/- 44.7, 1636 +/- 168.0, 205.5 +/- 30.7 vs 76.8 +/- 20.5, 663.4 +/- 186.9, 49.0 +/- 9.4; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After IIR, general inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa is correlated with a strong innate immune response, mediated by activation of the TLR-NF-kappa B-cytokine pathway. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.展开更多
Northern pig-tailed macaques （NPMs, Macaca leonina） are susceptible to HIV-1 infection largely due to the loss of HIV-l-restricting factor TRIM5a. However, great impediments still exist in the persistent replication...Northern pig-tailed macaques （NPMs, Macaca leonina） are susceptible to HIV-1 infection largely due to the loss of HIV-l-restricting factor TRIM5a. However, great impediments still exist in the persistent replication of HIV-1 in vivo, suggesting some viral restriction factors are reserved in this host The APOBEC3 proteins have demonstrated a capacity to restrict HIV-1 replication, but their inhibitory effects in NPMs remain elusive. In this study, we cloned the NPM A3A-A3H genes, and determined by BLAST searching that their coding sequences （CDSs） showed 99% identity to the corresponding counterparts from rhesus and southern pig-tailed macaques. We further analyzed the anti-HIV-1 activities of the A3A-A3H genes, and found that A3G and A3F had the greatest anti-HIV-1 activity compared with that of other members. The results of this study indicate that A3G and A3F might play critical roles in limiting HIV-1 replication in NPMs in vivo. Furthermore, this research provides valuable information for the optimization of monkey models of HIV-1 infection.展开更多
Phylogenetic relationships within the sinica-group of macaques based on morphological,behavioral,and molecular characteristics have remained controversial.The Nepal population of Assam macaques(Macaca assamensis)(NPAM...Phylogenetic relationships within the sinica-group of macaques based on morphological,behavioral,and molecular characteristics have remained controversial.The Nepal population of Assam macaques(Macaca assamensis)(NPAM),the westernmost population of the species,is morphologically distinct but has never been used in phylogenetic analyses.Here,the phylogenetic relationship of NPAM with other congeners was tested using multiple mitochondrial and Ychromosomal loci.The divergence times and evolutionary genetic distances among macaques were also estimated.Results revealed two major mitochondrial DNA clades of macaques under the sinica-group:the first clade included M.thibetana,M.sinica,and eastern subspecies of Assam macaque(M.assamensis assamensis);the second clade included M.radiata together with species from the eastern and central Himalaya,namely,M.leucogenys,M.munzala,and NPAM.Among the second-clade species,NPAM was the first to diverge from the other members of the clade around 1.9 million years ago.Our results revealed that NPAM is phylogenetically distinct from the eastern Assam macaques and closer to other species and hence may represent a separate species.Because of its phylogenetic distinctiveness,isolated distribution,and small population size,the Nepal population of sinica-group macaques warrants detailed taxonomic revision and high conservation priority.展开更多
Among mammals,mothers provide maternal care and protection starting from gestation and they ensure nutritional supply via lactation after birth(Clutton-Brock 1991).However,in social mammals,infants may also be cared f...Among mammals,mothers provide maternal care and protection starting from gestation and they ensure nutritional supply via lactation after birth(Clutton-Brock 1991).However,in social mammals,infants may also be cared for by a variety of other group members,such as fathers,siblings,a host of more distant relatives,and even unrelated individuals.Care by individuals other than the mother is known as allomaternal care(nonmaternal care)(Ishizuka 2020).Moreover,adoption of an orphaned infant is a special case of allomaternal care(Chaves et al.2020).展开更多
In animal societies, some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress. Such stressors, like social rank, also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases. However, the physiologic...In animal societies, some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress. Such stressors, like social rank, also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases. However, the physiological relationship between social rank and stress varies between different species, as well as within groups of a single species. For example, dominant individuals are more socially stressed at times, while at other times it is the subordinate ones who experience this stress. Together, these variations make it difficult to assess disease vulnerability as connected to social interactions. In order to learn more about how physiological rank relationships vary between groups of a single species, cortisol measurements from hair samples were used to evaluate the effects of dominance rank on long-term stress levels in despotic and less stringent female rhesus macaque hierarchal groups. In despotic groups, cortisol levels were found not to be correlated with social rank, but a negative correlation was found between social rank and cortisol levels in less stringent hierarchies. Low ranking monkeys in less stringent groups secreted elevated levels of cortisol compared to higher ranking animals. These data suggest that variations in the strictness of the dominance hierarchy are determining factors in rank related stress physiology. The further consideration of nonhuman primate social system diversity and the linear degree of their hierarchies may allow for the development of valid rank-related stress models that will help increase our understanding and guide the development of new therapeutics for diseases related to human socioeconomic status.展开更多
基金Nanhu Laboratory Self-Initiated Research Project,Grant/Award Number:NSS2023A00001-2。
文摘Accurate macaque paternity identification is of great significance in various fields,yet relevant research remains scarce.Our study aimed to screen effective microsatellite markers for macaque paternity testing.Initially,300 microsatellite markers were randomly selected from the genome of the crab-eating macaque(Macaca fascicularis),and 12 highly polymorphic tetra-nucleotide repeat markers were identified.These markers'genetic parameters and exclusion probabilities in both crab-eating and rhesus macaque(Macaca mulatta)populations were calculated,meeting the paternity testing requirements for both species.To validate the markers,16 crab-eating macaque and 10 rhesus macaque families with known pedigrees were randomly chosen for testing.The genotypes of the 12 markers in the macaques'offspring could be traced back to their parents,confirming the accuracy and applicability of the marker combination for paternity identification in both macaque species.
基金National Resources Center for Non Human PrimatesNational Key R&D Project of China,Grant/Award Number:2021YFF0702804。
文摘Background:Non-human primates(NPHs),such as rhesus macaques,cynomol-gus monkeys,and Assamese macaques,play a crucial role in biomedical research.However,baseline cytokine and electrolyte data for these three species,particularly data stratified by age and sex,are limited.Therefore,the aim of this study was to establish and analyze age-and sex-specific cytokine and electrolyte profiles in these three species.Methods:This study included 40 rhesus macaques(21 males,19 females),33 cyn-omolgus monkeys(17 males,16 females),and 45 Assamese macaques(25 males,20 females)classified by age(1-5 years,6-12 years,>13 years)and sex.The levels of 23 immune function indicators and 5 electrolyte indicators were measured.Results:Among the three monkey species,the levels of sCD40L,IL-18,MCP-1,MIP-1β,TGFa,K^(+),Na^(+),and Cl^(-)exhibited species-,sex-,and age-related differences.Comparison within the same species,sex had no significant impact on cytokine levels in NHPs but did affect electrolyte levels,particularly Cl^(-)and Na^(+)levels,in cynomol-gus monkeys and Assamese macaques.Electrolyte levels in NHPs were not affected by age,whereas the levels of certain cytokines,particularly sCD40L,GM-CSF,and IL-10,varied with age.The remaining 21 cytokines demonstrated no significant age-related changes.Conclusions:Significant variations in cytokine and electrolyte levels exist among dif-ferent monkey species,sexes,and age groups.This research provides valuable re-sources for NHP researchers and sets the stage for further exploring the impacts of sex and age on NHP physiology and immune function.
基金supported by STI2030-Major Projects(2022ZD0212900)the Joint Project of Chongqing Municipal Science and Technology Bureau and Chongqing Health Commission(2023CCXM003)+4 种基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0505700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271565 and 82301714)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023TQ0398,GZB20230916,2023MD734124)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(CSTB2023NSCQ-BHX0106)the Postdoctoral Innovation Talents Support Program of Chongqing,China(2208013341918508).
文摘Adolescent depression is increasingly recognized as a serious mental health disorder with distinct clinical and molecular features.Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing,we identified cell-specific transcriptomic changes in the nucleus accumbens(NAc),particularly in astrocytes,of adolescent macaques exhibiting depressive-like behaviors.The level of diacylglycerol kinase beta was significantly reduced in neurons and glial cells of depressed macaques,while FKBP5 levels increased in glial cells.Disruption of GABAergic synapses and disruption of D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism were linked to depressive phenotypes in medium spiny neurons(MSNs)and subtypes of astrocytes.Communication pathways between astrocytes and D1/D2-MSNs were also disrupted,involving factors like bone morphogenetic protein-6 and Erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase-4.Bulk transcriptomic and proteomic analyses corroborated these findings,and FKBP5 upregulation was confirmed by qRT-PCR,western blotting,and immunofluorescence in the NAc of rats and macaques with chronic unpredictable mild stress.Our results highlight the specific roles of different cell types in adolescent depression in the NAc,offering potential targets for new antidepressant therapies.
基金fnancially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32070446).
文摘Infant-care behavior,a range of caring behaviors by parental or alloparental individuals towards infants unable to live independently,plays asignifcant role in the survival of infants and the continuation of the species in non-human primates.During a behavioral ecological study ofTaihangshan macaques,we observed 2 cases of infant adoptions by unrelated adult females.In case 1,a multiparous female adopted a lostinfant from a neighboring group,with the infant being snatched back by her biological mother 35 days after the adoption.This is the frst report ofcross-group adoption in Macaca.In case 2,a nulliparous adult female,who had been once adopted by her elder sister,adopted an orphan fromher group for 36 days.We describe the details of adoptions in Taihangshan macaques and explore possible reasons for adoptions to contributeto understanding the evolution of infant-care behavior and altruistic behavior of adoption in primates.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82021001 and 31825018 to Q.S., 32370658 to Y.M.,82001372 to X.Y.)National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF0710901)+2 种基金National Science and Technology Innovation2030 Major Program (2021ZD0200900) to Q.S.Shanghai Pujiang Program (22PJ1407300)Shanghai Jiao Tong University 2030 Initiative (WH510363001-7) to Y.M。
文摘Understanding gene expression variations between species is pivotal for deciphering the evolutionary diversity in phenotypes. Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta, MMU)and crab-eating macaques(M. fascicularis, MFA) serve as crucial nonhuman primate biomedical models with different phenotypes. To date, however, large-scale comparative transcriptome research between these two species has not yet been fully explored. Here, we conducted systematic comparisons utilizing newly sequenced RNA-seq data from84 samples(41 MFA samples and 43 MMU samples)encompassing 14 common tissues. Our findings revealed a small fraction of genes(3.7%) with differential expression between the two species, as well as 36.5% of genes with tissue-specific expression in both macaques. Comparison of gene expression between macaques and humans indicated that 22.6% of orthologous genes displayed differential expression in at least two tissues. Moreover,19.41% of genes that overlapped with macaque-specific structural variants showed differential expression between humans and macaques. Of these, the FAM220A gene exhibited elevated expression in humans compared to macaques due to lineage-specific duplication. In summary,this study presents a large-scale transcriptomic comparison between MMU and MFA and between macaques and humans. The discovery of gene expression variations not only enhances the biomedical utility of macaque models but also contributes to the wider field of primate genomics.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFA0801404,2023YFC3403400)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81941006,32371190,32370878)+2 种基金Guangdong Special Support Program(2019BT02Y276,2024A1515012868)Double First-Class Discipline Promotion Project(2023B10564003)Program for Scientific Research Start-up Funds of Guangdong Ocean University(060302052408)。
文摘As an essential transcriptional activator,PDX1 plays a crucial role in pancreatic development andβ-cell function.Mutations in the PDX1 gene may lead to type 4 maturityonset diabetes of the young(MODY4)and neonatal diabetes mellitus.However,the precise mechanisms underlying MODY4 remain elusive due to the paucity of clinical samples and pronounced differences in pancreatic architecture and genomic composition between humans and existing animal models.In this study,three PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaques were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology,all of which succumbed shortly postpartum,exhibiting pancreatic agenesis.Notably,one tri-allelic PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaque(designated as M4)developed a pancreas,whereas the two monoallelic PDX1-mutant cynomolgus macaques displayed no anatomical evidence of pancreatic formation.RNA sequencing of the M4 pancreas revealed substantial molecular changes in both endocrine and exocrine functions,indicating developmental delay and PDX1haploinsufficiency.A marked change in m6A methylation was identified in the M4 pancreas,confirmed through cultured PDX1-mutantisletorganoids.Notably,overexpression of the m6A modulator METTL3 restored function in heterozygous PDX1-mutant islet organoids.This study highlights a novel role of m6A methylation modification in the progression of MODY4 and provides valuable molecular insights for preclinical research.
文摘Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling method and continuous recording were used to investigate seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in five male Tibetan macaques （Macaca thibetana） at Mt. Huangshan from Oct 2005 to Sept 2006. Both copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors （i.e., sexual chase, grimace, and sexual-inspection）, which were significantly higher in the mating season than non-mating season. Furthermore, seasonal variations of sexual behaviors, including copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors, were synchronized among males. The results shed light on sexual competition and tactics for reproductive success of male M. thibetana and other non-human primates with seasonal breeding.
基金partly supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1802284 81471620,81671627,81771770,81571606)+1 种基金13th Five-Year Key Scientific and Technological Program of China(2017ZX10304402-002-004,2017ZX10202102-001-005,2018ZX10301101-002-003,2018ZX10301406-003)Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(ZDRW-ZS-2016-4)
文摘Microbial translocation is a cause of systemic immune activation in HIV/SIV infection. In the present study, we found a lower CD8+ T cell activation level in Macaca leonina (northern pig-tailed macaques, NPMs) than in Macaca mulatta (Chinese rhesus macaques, ChRMs) during SIVmac239 infection. Furthermore, the levels of plasma LPS-binding protein and soluble CD14 in NPMs were lower than those in ChRMs. Compared with ChRMs, SIV-infected NPMs had lower Chiu scores, representing relatively normal intestinal mucosa. In addition, no obvious damage to the ileum or colon epithelial barrier was observed in either infected or uninfected NPMs, which differed to that found in ChRMs. Furthermore, no significant microbial translocation (Escherichia coli) was detected in the colon or ileum of infected or uninfected NPMs, which again differed to that observed in ChRMs. In conclusion, NPMs retained superior intestinal integrity and limited microbial translocation during SIV infection, which may contribute to their lower immune activation compared with ChRMs.
基金supported in part by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772475 31672307+1 种基金31401981 31372215)
文摘In some non-human primates, infants function as a social tool that can bridge relationships among group members. Infants are a desired commodity for group members, and mothers control access to them. The biological market theory suggests that grooming is widespread and represents a commodity that can be exchanged for infant handling. As a limited resource, however, the extent to which infants are interchanged between mothers(females with an infant) and non-mothers(potential handlers,females without an infant) remains unclear. In this study, we collected behavioral data to investigate the relationship between grooming and infant handling in free-ranging Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana)at Mt. Huangshan, China. Our results showed that females with infants received more grooming than females without infants. After her infant was handled,mother females received more grooming than they did during daily grooming interactions. However, with the increasing number of infants within the social group, both the grooming that mothers received and the grooming that non-mothers invested for handling infants decreased. We also found that non-mothers invested more time in grooming to gain access to younger infants than older infants. Our results provide evidence that infants are social commodities for both mother and non-mother females. Mothers use infants for obtain grooming and non-mothers use grooming to gain access to infants. The current study implies a bidirectional and complex interchange pattern between grooming and infant handling to compensate for the dyadic grooming disparity in non-human primates.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(31172106,31372215)the Program of University Innovation Team of Anhui Province(TD200703)+1 种基金the Specialized Research Fund for the Master’s Program of Higher Education(01001770-10117700618)the Science Foundation of Anhui Province(1408085QC56)
文摘Self-directed behavior(SDB) is characterized as an indicator of anxiety, frustration and stress in nonhuman primates. In this study, we collected self-directed behavior data from one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques(Macaca thibetana) at Mt. Huangshan, China(September 2012–May 2013) using a combination of behavioral sampling methods including focal animal sampling, behavioral sampling, continuous sampling and instantaneous sampling. Our results showed that females engaged in significantly higher rates of self-directed behavior when they were in proximity to dominant individuals compared to subordinate ones. Conflict losers significantly increased their SDB rates after agonistic episodes, indicating that SDB might also serve as an index of anxiety in M. thibetana. We further found that females significantly increased their SDB rates when focal individual was proximity to weakly affiliation relationship higher rank members than to strongly affiliation relationship higher rank members. If conflicts were not reconciled, the postconflict SDB rates of losers were higher when they stayed with strongly affiliation opponents; if conflicts were reconciled, victims of strongly affiliation relationships opponents engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation, while victims of moderately affiliation relationships opponents did not engaged in more SDB rates before reconciliation than after reconciliation. We conclude that both of dominance rank and affiliation relationships might both influence the SDB rates of female Tibetan macaques significantly, suggesting that SDB is not only an index of anxiety in Tibetan macaques, but also can provide a new insight into evaluation of social relationships between individuals.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30570237)Outstanding Youth Foundation of Anhui (No.040443070)+1 种基金Technological Innovation team of Anhui Education Bureau (TD200703)Talent Development Foundation of Anhui, Academic Innovation team of Anhui University
文摘Though females are generally more selective in mate choice, males may also benefit from mate choice if male reproductive success is limited by factors other than simply the number of female mates, and if females differ in short-term reproductive potential. We studied male mate choice in a free-ranging troop of Tibetan macaques Macaca thibetana at Mt. Huangshan, China, from August 2007 to April 2008. We employed focal animal sampling and all occurrence sampling to record sexual related behaviors. Eight adult females were divided into three female quality categories according to the females＇ age, rank and parity. Using male mating effort as a proxy for male mate choice, we found that males do distinguish female quality and show time-variant mating strategies. Specifically, females with dominant rank, high fecundity, and middle age attracted significantly more males. Our results suggest that female short-term reproductive potential appears to be an important variable in determining male mating effort. Male Tibetan macaques do exercise mate choice for higher quality females as well as reduce useless reproductive cost, which is consistent with the direct benefits theory of mate choice.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81571607)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7162136)Ministry of Science and Technology(2017ZX10202102003005,2015BAI08B03)of China
文摘Rhesus macaques(Macaca mulatta) and cynomolgus macaques(Macaca fascicularis) are frequently used in establishing animal models for human diseases. To determine the differences in gut microbiota between these species, rectal swabs from 20 rhesus macaques and 21 cynomolgus macaques were collected, and the microbial composition was examined by deep sequencing of the 16 S rR NA gene. We found that the rectal microbiota of cynomolgus macaques exhibited significantly higher alpha diversity than that of rhesus macaques, although the observed number of operational taxonomic units(OTUs) was almost the same. The dominant taxa at both the phylum and genus levels were similar between the two species, although the relative abundances of these dominant taxa were significantly different between them. Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States(PICRUSt) showed significant differences in the functional components between the microbiota of the two species, in particular the lipopolysaccharide(LPS) synthesis proteins. The above data indicated significant differences in microbial composition and function between these two closely related macaque species, which should be taken into consideration in the future selection of these animals for disease models.
文摘In order to discern dental morphometric variations among the Asian colobines, residuals of the colobines, derived from allometric baselines formed by the Asian macaques （Macaca）, were analyzed with Principal Components Analysis and Euclidean Distances. Results indicated that the widely accepted view that the colobines possess relatively smaller front teeth than the macaques is only the case for the first incisors. The colobines show relatively smaller molars than the macaques. Such profiles may be related to the differences in dietary preferences between the two major groups of the Asian Old World monkeys. The magnitude of such differences is not as great as usullay assumed for the two groups that contain both African and Asian taxa. In other words, the two Asian cercopithecoid groups may have homogenously been shaped by the tectonic modifications and climate alterations in the past five million years. There exist marked differences among the Asian colobines when each of the genera is compared with macaques; the dental profile reflects not only the variation in geographic distribution but also in phylogenetic divergence. Thus, the snub-nosed monkeys （Rhinopithecus） and the gray langurs （Semnopithecus） are characterized by relatively larger molars than the other colobines - larger even than those of the macaques. The differences among Asian colobines, depicted by Euclidean Distances, seems to reflect the relationship of the phylogeny and evolution between colobines and cercopithecines.
基金This study was funded by the National Science Foundation of China(NSFC 31271167,and 31070963)the 973 program(2007CB947703 and 2011CB707800)the Key Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,China(KSCX2-EW-R-13)。
文摘In animal societies,some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress.Such stressors,like social rank,also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases.However,the physiological relationship between social rank and stress varies between different species,as well as within groups of a single species.For example,dominant individuals are more socially stressed at times,while at other times it is the subordinate ones who experience this stress.Together,these variations make it difficult to assess disease vulnerability as connected to social interactions.In order to learn more about how physiological rank relationships vary between groups of a single species,cortisol measurements from hair samples were used to evaluate the effects of dominance rank on long-term stress levels in despotic and less stringent female rhesus macaque hierarchal groups.In despotic groups,cortisol levels were found not to be correlated with social rank,but a negative correlation was found between social rank and cortisol levels in less stringent hierarchies.Low ranking monkeys in less stringent groups secreted elevated levels of cortisol compared to higher ranking animals.These data suggest that variations in the strictness of the dominance hierarchy are determining factors in rank related stress physiology.The further consideration of nonhuman primate social system diversity and the linear degree of their hierarchies may allow for the development of valid rank-related stress models that will help increase our understanding and guide the development of new therapeutics for diseases related to human socioeconomic status.
基金This work was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.31801983,31971404,31772475,31372215)the Initial Foundation of Doctoral Scientific Research(Y040418135)the Program of Outstanding Young Teachers Training(Z010139011)in Anhui University,and China Scholarship Council.R.C.K.'s effort was supported in part by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs(ORIP)of the National Institutes of Health(NIH)through Grant Number P5IODO 10425 to the Washington National Primate Research Center.
文摘Leadership is a key issue in the study of collective behavior in social animals.Affiliation-leadership models predict that dyadic partner preferences based on grooming relationships or allianee formation positively affect an in dividua I's decision to follow or support a con spec ific.In the case of many primate species,females without young infants are attracted to mother-infant dyads.However,the effects of mother-infant-female associations on affiliation-leadership models remain less clear.In free-rangi ng Tibeta n macaques Macaca thibetana,we used social network analysis to examine the importance of mother-inf a nt-adult female"social bridging eve nts as a predictor of who leads and who follows during group movement.Social bridging is a common behavior in Tibetan macaques and occurs whe n 2 adults,gen erally females,engage in coordinated in fa nt handling.Using eigenvector centrality coefficients of social bridging as a measure of social affiliation,we found that among lactating females,initiating bridging behavior with another female played a sign讦icant role in leadership success,with the assisting female following the mother during group movement.Among non lactati ng females,this was not the case.Our results in dicate that in fa nt attracti on can be a strong trigger in collective action and directing group movement in Tibetan macaques and provides benefits to mothers who require helpers and social support in order to ensure the safety of their infants.Our study provides new insights into the importance of the third-party effect in rethinking affiliation-leadership models in group-living animals.
基金Supported by Key Grant of the Natural Science Fund of China,No.30330270Chengdu Bureau of Science and Technology Research Projects,No.11DXYB352SFChengdu Bureau of Science and Technology Research Projects,No.12PPYB080SF-002
文摘AIM: To investigate inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR) with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate immunity. METHODS: Ten macaques were randomized into control and IIR groups. The distribution and expression level of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B p65 and interferon (IFN)-gamma were measured by immunohistochemical stain and western blotting. The mRNA expression of TLR4, TLR2, MD2, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The cytokine levels in blood and intestinal tissues were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Obvious hemorrhage and erosion of mucosae were seen in the IIR group. Expression of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, NF-kappa B p65 and IFN-gamma. was significantly higher in the IIR group than in the control group (0.13 +/- 0.04, 0.22 +/- 0.04, 0.16 +/- 0.06, 0.65 +/- 0.12, 0.38 +/- 0.10 vs 0.07 +/- 0.04, 0.08 +/- 0.03, 0.04 +/- 0.02, 0.19 +/- 0.06, 0.14 +/- 0.05, P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of TLR2, TLR4, MD2, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha mRNA in the IIR group were significantly higher than those of control group(1.52 +/- 0.15, 1.39 +/- 0.06, 1.94 +/- 0.12, 1.48 +/- 0.15, 0.66 +/- 0.08 vs 0.31 +/- 0.05, 0.5 +/- 0.04, 0.77 +/- 0.05, 0.35 +/- 0.08, 0.18 +/- 0.04, P < 0.05). Furthermore, IL-1 beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in the macaques ileum and plasma were significantly higher than in the control group (plasma: 86.3 +/- 15.2, 1129 +/- 248.3, 77.8 +/- 16.2 vs 29.5 +/- 7.3, 19.8 +/- 8.2, 5.6 +/- 1.7; ileum: 273.4. +/- 44.7, 1636 +/- 168.0, 205.5 +/- 30.7 vs 76.8 +/- 20.5, 663.4 +/- 186.9, 49.0 +/- 9.4; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: After IIR, general inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa is correlated with a strong innate immune response, mediated by activation of the TLR-NF-kappa B-cytokine pathway. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
基金supported by the National Special Science Research Program of China(2012CBA01305)National Natural Science Foundation of China(81172876+6 种基金814716208127325181571606U0832601)National Science and Technology Major Project(2014ZX10005-002-006)Knowledge Innovation Program of CAS(KJZD-EW-L10-02)Yunnan Applicative and Basic Research Program(2014FB181)
文摘Northern pig-tailed macaques （NPMs, Macaca leonina） are susceptible to HIV-1 infection largely due to the loss of HIV-l-restricting factor TRIM5a. However, great impediments still exist in the persistent replication of HIV-1 in vivo, suggesting some viral restriction factors are reserved in this host The APOBEC3 proteins have demonstrated a capacity to restrict HIV-1 replication, but their inhibitory effects in NPMs remain elusive. In this study, we cloned the NPM A3A-A3H genes, and determined by BLAST searching that their coding sequences （CDSs） showed 99% identity to the corresponding counterparts from rhesus and southern pig-tailed macaques. We further analyzed the anti-HIV-1 activities of the A3A-A3H genes, and found that A3G and A3F had the greatest anti-HIV-1 activity compared with that of other members. The results of this study indicate that A3G and A3F might play critical roles in limiting HIV-1 replication in NPMs in vivo. Furthermore, this research provides valuable information for the optimization of monkey models of HIV-1 infection.
基金This study was supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences-World Academy of Sciences(CAS-TWAS)President’s PhD Fellowship Program to L.K.,Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(2019QZKK0501)National Key Research and Development Plan(#2017YFC0505202)China.R.C.K.was supported in part by the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs(ORIP)of the National Institutes of Health through Grant Number P51OD010425 to the WaNPRC.L.K.was supported by the Rufford Small Grants(17666-1)of Rufford Foundation,UK partly for fieldworksWe thank the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Department of Forest and Soil Conservation of the Government of Nepal for research permission,and our field assistants for their support in the field.
文摘Phylogenetic relationships within the sinica-group of macaques based on morphological,behavioral,and molecular characteristics have remained controversial.The Nepal population of Assam macaques(Macaca assamensis)(NPAM),the westernmost population of the species,is morphologically distinct but has never been used in phylogenetic analyses.Here,the phylogenetic relationship of NPAM with other congeners was tested using multiple mitochondrial and Ychromosomal loci.The divergence times and evolutionary genetic distances among macaques were also estimated.Results revealed two major mitochondrial DNA clades of macaques under the sinica-group:the first clade included M.thibetana,M.sinica,and eastern subspecies of Assam macaque(M.assamensis assamensis);the second clade included M.radiata together with species from the eastern and central Himalaya,namely,M.leucogenys,M.munzala,and NPAM.Among the second-clade species,NPAM was the first to diverge from the other members of the clade around 1.9 million years ago.Our results revealed that NPAM is phylogenetically distinct from the eastern Assam macaques and closer to other species and hence may represent a separate species.Because of its phylogenetic distinctiveness,isolated distribution,and small population size,the Nepal population of sinica-group macaques warrants detailed taxonomic revision and high conservation priority.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31472018,31672302).
文摘Among mammals,mothers provide maternal care and protection starting from gestation and they ensure nutritional supply via lactation after birth(Clutton-Brock 1991).However,in social mammals,infants may also be cared for by a variety of other group members,such as fathers,siblings,a host of more distant relatives,and even unrelated individuals.Care by individuals other than the mother is known as allomaternal care(nonmaternal care)(Ishizuka 2020).Moreover,adoption of an orphaned infant is a special case of allomaternal care(Chaves et al.2020).
基金funded by the National Science Foundation of China (NSFC 31271167, and 31070963)the 973 program (2007CB947703 and 2011CB707800)the Key Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (KSCX2-EW-R-13)
文摘In animal societies, some stressful events can lead to higher levels of physiological stress. Such stressors, like social rank, also predict an increased vulnerability to an array of diseases. However, the physiological relationship between social rank and stress varies between different species, as well as within groups of a single species. For example, dominant individuals are more socially stressed at times, while at other times it is the subordinate ones who experience this stress. Together, these variations make it difficult to assess disease vulnerability as connected to social interactions. In order to learn more about how physiological rank relationships vary between groups of a single species, cortisol measurements from hair samples were used to evaluate the effects of dominance rank on long-term stress levels in despotic and less stringent female rhesus macaque hierarchal groups. In despotic groups, cortisol levels were found not to be correlated with social rank, but a negative correlation was found between social rank and cortisol levels in less stringent hierarchies. Low ranking monkeys in less stringent groups secreted elevated levels of cortisol compared to higher ranking animals. These data suggest that variations in the strictness of the dominance hierarchy are determining factors in rank related stress physiology. The further consideration of nonhuman primate social system diversity and the linear degree of their hierarchies may allow for the development of valid rank-related stress models that will help increase our understanding and guide the development of new therapeutics for diseases related to human socioeconomic status.
