Primate molecular genetics, cytogenetics and genomics currently form a highly dynamic field of research. This has not occurred simply because of advances in technology. It is largely a consequence of the key insight that many aspects of human genome functioning can be better understood when knowledge about the conservation of, and changes in, genome organization during the course of evolution is integrated. Studies of our closest phylogenomic relatives, the nonhuman primates, can provide detailed information on the molecular mechanisms that shape the human genome. Consequently the chimpanzee genome project put forth the first chimpanzee draft sequence and its alignment with the human reference sequence in December 2003. Including review articles and original investigations, this Cytogenetic and Genome Research single topic issue bundles various different perspectives and provides a broad overview of the present knowledge about molecular cytogenetics, genome organization and evolution of primates. It will be of great interest to researchers and geneticists in the fields of primatology, anthropology, molecular phylogeny, evolution, human genetics and genome research.
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosome morphology, structure, pathology, function, and behavior. The field has evolved to embrace molecular cytogenetic changes, now termed cytogenomics. Cytogeneticists utilize an assortment of procedures to investigate the full complement of chromosomes and/or a targeted region within a specific chromosome in metaphase or interphase. Tools include routine analysis of G-banded chromosomes, specialized stains that address specific chromosomal structures, and molecular probes, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosome microarray analysis, which employ a variety of methods to highlight a region as small as a single, specific genetic sequence under investigation. The AGT Cytogenetics Laboratory Manual, Fourth Edition offers a comprehensive description of the diagnostic tests offered by the clinical laboratory and explains the science behind them. One of the most valuable assets is its rich compilation of laboratory-tested protocols currently being used in leading laboratories, along with practical advice for nearly every area of interest to cytogeneticists. In addition to covering essential topics that have been the backbone of cytogenetics for over 60 years, such as the basic components of a cell, use of a microscope, human tissue processing for cytogenetic analysis (prenatal, constitutional, and neoplastic), laboratory safety, and the mechanisms behind chromosome rearrangement and aneuploidy, this edition introduces new and expanded chapters by experts in the field. Some of these new topics include a unique collection of chromosome heteromorphisms; clinical examples of genomic imprinting; an example-driven overview of chromosomal microarray; mathematics specifically geared for the cytogeneticist; usage of ISCN’s cytogenetic language to describe chromosome changes; tips for laboratory management; examples of laboratory information systems; a collection of internet and library resources; and a special chapter on animal chromosomes for the research and zoo cytogeneticist. The range of topics is thus broad yet comprehensive, offering the student a resource that teaches the procedures performed in the cytogenetics laboratory environment, and the laboratory professional with a peer-reviewed reference that explores the basis of each of these procedures. This makes it a useful resource for researchers, clinicians, and lab professionals, as well as students in a university or medical school setting.
Evolutionary and Genetic Biology of Primates, Volume I presents research on the evolution and genetic biology of the Primates. This volume comprises seven chapters that tackle the problem of primate classification, anatomy, and genetics. The first chapter deals with an eventual serious reorganization of the classification of the Primates, followed by a discussion on a critical reappraisal of tertiary primates from different periods, such as Paleocene, Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, and Pliocene. The subsequent chapter examines the phylogenetic implications of neural structures in both morphological and physiological terms. The book also presents comparative studies on the differences between skin of primates and that of man; the sweat glands of the Lorisidae; and the nerve endings in the skin of primates. Lastly, methods for primate chromosomes and their evolution are described. This book is an invaluable source for physical anthropologists and researchers, histologists, anatomists, neurologists, geneticists, cytologists, and other specialists.
A better "casting" could not be conceived. The authors of this book are gold smiths on the subject. I have followed their work since their "entry" into cyto genetics and I have a high esteem for them. I consider it an honour to be asked to write the preface of their opus. Paul Popescu, Directeur de Recherche at INRA, has also played a promi nent part in the development of animal cytogenetics, especially in domestic animals. He is able to tell you the cost of a translocation in a pig breeding farm or a cow population: a fortune! P. Popescu has played a great part in gene mapping of these species using "in situ DNA hybridisation". His contributions are recognised world-wide. His laboratory receives many visitors every year and it serves as a reference for domestic animal cytogenetics. Helene Hayes, Charge de Recherche at INRA, has collaborated with P. POPESCU in the elaboration of the "at hand" techniques and in many other discoveries which are listed in her bibliography. She showed the fascinating correspondence between bovine and human chromosomes and the com pared gene maps of domestic bovidae.
In 2001, first reports of the human draft genome were published. Since then, genomes of many other organisms have been sequenced, including several primate species: the chimpanzee, rhesus macaque, gorilla, orangutan, gibbon, baboon, marmoset, tarsier, galago, lemur, and more recently Neanderthals. In a new era of "post-genome biology", scientists now have the vast amount of information revealed by genome research to confront one of the most challenging, fundamental questions in primatology and anthropology: What makes us human? This volume comprises a collection of articles on a variety of topics relevant to primate genomes, including evolution, human origins, genome structure, chromosome genomics, and bioinformatics. The book covers the cutting-edge research in molecular primatology and provides great insights into the functional diversity of primates. This valuable collection will benefit researchers and students, including primatologists, anthropologists, molecular biologists, evolutionary biologists, and animal behaviorists.
Ten years ago a symposium on Cytotaxonomy 'was held in London (Proc. Linn. Soc. Lond. 169:110, 1958) in which a first attempt was made to bring together various disciplines to discuss advances of mammalian cytogenetics and to put them into proper context with the sciences of evolution and taxonomy. The introductory remarks by \V. B. Turrill to that symposium, essentially an admonishment to be tolerant of the short comings of our respective disciplines, would be a most appropriate begin ning to this conference as ,,'ell. However, the meeting held at Hanover was conceived more along the lines of remarks made by R. B. Seymour Se,,'ell in his presidential address to the same society: "It has been said that scientists in this search for truth are nowadays too much concerned with the accumulation of facts, and make too little use of their imagina tion in their attempts to explain such facts as they have accumulated. " (In "The continental drift theory and the distribution of the Copepoda," ibid. 166:149, 1956. ) \\Tith this as a background, two years ago we held the first of a series of loosely-structured conferences on reproductive failure in the relaxing atmosphere of this small New England college community. The manu scripts of that meeting have been published (Comparative Aspects of Re productive Failure, Springer-Verlag New York Inc. , 1967).
