Genome Size in the Framework of Cebus & Ateles (Primates: Platyrrhini) evolution.

FANTINI, LUCIA; MUDRY, MARTA D.; NIEVES, MARIELA

Houston

Congreso; 5th International Conference in Primate genomics; 2012

Baylor College of Medicine

Platyrrhini chromosomal variability has shown to be accompanied by marked quantitative changes in the genetic material. The genome size or C value, defined as the total DNA content in a complete haploid chromosome set, is considered a species-specific constant and a parameter useful for cytological analysis and interpretation of evolutionary processes. Cebus and Ateles (Platyrrhini) genomes and karyotypes have similar characteristics, making it possible to propose the existence of a similar strategy in the dynamics of their genomes. However, there is not yet fully known about the genome size variability among them. In this work, blood smears were performed for genome quantification by densitometry Feulguen and lymphocyte cultures for chromosomal characterization of captive Cebus and Ateles individuals from Argentina, Colombia and Mexico. Animals were identified as belonging to C. nigritus, C. libidinosus, C. albifrons, A. geoffroyi and A. chamek. In all cases the genome size values obtained were among the range already described for neotropical primates. For 3 of these species the C value obtained in this work is the first description: C. nigritus 3.04 ± 0.05 pg, C. libidinosus 3.40 ± 0.05 pg and A. chamek 3.06 ± 0.07 pg. The results obtained for C. albifrons (3.56 ± 0.17 pg) and A. geoffroyi (3.55 ± 0.14 pg) differ from those previously published (3.98 pg and 3.25 pg, respectively). The taxonomic diagnosis of the individuals studied previously as inherent differences in the methodology are possible reasons that could explain the discrepancies. These findings add to a more accurate diagnosis by relating various parameters. In this context, we discuss the usefulness of genome size with other variables of analysis in the context of evolutionary studies of neotropical primates.