A Comparison of Whole-Genome Shotgun-Derived Mouse Chromosome 16 and the Human GenomeThe high degree of similarity between the mouse and human genomes is demonstrated through analysis of the sequence of mouse chromosome 16 (Mmu 16), which was obtained as part of a whole-genome shotgun assembly of the mouse genome. The mouse genome is about 10% smaller than the human genome, owing to a lower repetitive DNA content. Comparison of the structure and protein-coding potential of Mmu 16 with that of the homologous segments of the human genome identifies regions of conserved synteny with human chromosomes (Hsa) 3, 8, 12, 16, 21, and 22. Gene content and order are highly conserved between Mmu 16 and the syntenic blocks of the human genome. Of the 731 predicted genes on Mmu 16, 509 align with orthologs on the corresponding portions of the human genome, 44 are likely paralogous to these genes, and 164 genes have homologs elsewhere in the human genome; there are 14 genes for which we could find no human counterpart.
Genetic diversity of Macaca fascicularis (Cercopithecidae) from Penang, Malaysia as inferred from mitochondrial control region segmentThe genetic diversity of the long-tailed macaques ( Macaca fascicularis ) from Penang, Malaysia, including Jerejak Island and the mainland area of the state of Penang, Seberang Perai were examined using 1,042 bp control region (CR) segment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Twenty haplotypes were described with a single haplotype sharing between the mainland and the island which suggests that it is a remnant of the genetic makeup from the mainland. Compared to previous studies based on the CR, all the Penang haplotypes are newly described with none shared with the other regional populations of M. fascicularis . A single deletion mutation unique to the Penang samples (Groups I and II) could be a good indicator for the conservation of the genetic uniqueness and possibly should be managed as a management unit (MU). A summarised phylogenetic tree (NJ, MP, ML and Bayesian) supports the monophyletic clustering of the M. fascicularis as described in previous studies. The topology separates the Penang haplotypes into three major groups, which generally corresponds to their geographical distribution. We also noted that the Penang haplotypes are of the continental lineage which separated from the insular lineage at around 1.04 mya. Finally, we showed that the CR of the mtDNA is powerful and suitable for the quantification of intraspecific diversity in M. fascicularis . Keywords : Macaca fascicularis , Penang Island, phylogenetics, hypervariable segments I and II