Using advanced sequencing technology, researchers present a new, improved and much more complete reference genome for the rhesus macaque – one of the most important animal models in biochemical research. The extended macaque reference genome may help in the discovery and development of new, noninvasive models of human disease and in evaluating the effect of genetic differentiation on experimental therapies prior to human trials. The rhesus macaque is the most widely studied non-human primrose in biochemical research and its genome has played an important role in broadening our understanding of AIDS, the development of Ebola vaccines, and in discovering novel genetic therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. However, since the first full-genome study of the rhesus macaque genome was demonstrated in 2007, genomic technology has come a long way. Using new techniques and recent advances in running technologies, Wesley Warren and colleagues collected an updated reference genome for the macaque. The authors report that the new and improved macaque assembly extends the continuity of the series by 120-fold over the previous Indian macaque assembly and closes more than 99.7% of the gaps in it. Warren et al. analyzed whole-genome sequencing data from 853 captive rhesus macaques and compared the results with the new reference genome to identify the genetic variability. The findings revealed thousands of naturally occurring gene mutations and mutations, including those associated with human autism and developmental delay.
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