Macaque Genome Sequenced

Mar. 23 -- THURSDAY, April 12 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers have sequenced the genome of the rhesus macaque, providing more precise data on how humans are genetically different from primates.

Sequencing the macaque genome not only benefits research in human health but expands the understanding of primate evolution. More than 170 scientists from 35 institutions worked on the macaque genome project, and they published their findings in several articles in the April 13 issue of Science, a special edition devoted to the discovery.

"The importance of doing the sequencing is, first, it enhances our study of evolution and what has made us different from primates," said lead researcher Richard A. Gibbs, director of the Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College in Houston.

Although apes are genetically close to humans, that small percent of difference really makes all the difference, Gibbs said.

Gibbs noted that the chimpanzee genome has already been sequenced. "Like the macaque, there is a small percentage of error. The chimp is so close to the human that those errors make it very hard to see what is exactly the same and what is different from humans," he said. "The macaque is further away from humans, so it makes it a better mirror to look into."

The human genome was first sequenced in 2001. That feat was followed by the sequencing of the chimpanzee genome in 2005, allowing scientists to see which genes humans shared with chimps, from which humans diverged some 6 million years ago. The macaque is an older relative; it diverged 25 million years ago.

Macaque genes are about 97.5 percent similar to those of chimps and humans. Chimps and humans have 99 percent of the same gene sequences.

In addition, sequencing the macaque is important for biomedical research, where the macaque has been used extensively, Gibbs said.

"This will lead to more careful and thoughtful use of the macaque," he said. "For example, not much is known about the immune system of the macaque, but it is used in immunology research. With the gene sequence, we can see how they are different from humans."