Genetic mechanism and property of a whole-arm translocation (WAT) between chromosomes 8 and 9 of agile gibbons (Hylobates agilis)

Chromosome Res. 2003;11(1):37-50. doi: 10.1023/a:1022006015379.

Abstract

C-banding analysis with 47 gibbons of the subgenus Hylobates (Hylobates) (44-chromosome gibbons) uncovered that the gibbons had a characteristic complicated C-banding pattern. The C-band pattern also revealed that a whole-arm translocation (WAT) between chromosomes 8 and 9 existed only in the species H. agilis (agile gibbon). Comprehensive consideration allows postulation that the translocation seemed to be restricted to two subspecies: H. agilis agilis (mountain agile gibbon) and H. agilis unko (lowland agile gibbon), found in Sumatra and part of the Malay Peninsula. Moreover, combined intensive analyses of C-banding and chromosome painting provided strong evidence for a plausible evolutionary pathway of chromosome differentiation of chromosomes 8 and 9. The C-banded morph 8M(t/c) seemed to be the primary type of chromosome 8 in the subgenus and to have altered into the three morphs through three pericentric inversions. The newest morph (8A(M/ci)) produced by the third inversion exchanged the long arm for chromosome 9, and subsequently constructed the WAT morphs of 8/9A(Mc/ct) and 9/8M(i/ci).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chromosome Banding
  • Chromosomes
  • Female
  • Hylobates / genetics*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Translocation, Genetic*