This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. We are exploring the interaction between behavior, genes and viruses in monkeys of the Ivory Coast?s Tai Forest.
Our aims are twofold. Investigate the reproductive biology of Sooty mangabeys (Cercocebus atys). These primates are found in large groups that fragment into smaller units during seasonal food shortages. Males migrate from their natal group and multiple males invade resident troops during the mating season. Using DNA extracted from approximately 200 fecal samples, we will assess the success of this ?roving? mating strategy which has never been described for primates in large, multi-male groups. Second, examine the genetics of the simian immuno-deficiency virus (SIV) strain carried by mangabeys (SIVsm) that develops into HIV2 in humans. Since both the SIV-RNA and the monkey-DNA can be extracted from a single fecal sample, we will map the population genetics of the virus onto that of the monkeys to understand how viruses migrate through monkey populations. We have determined that other Tai monkeys harbor additional SIV-strains and our study will likely reveal more unknown SIVs. Each SIV has the potential to develop into a new HIV-form in humans because of the amount of monkey meat consumed in the region. Our results will provide insight into the reproductive biology of endangered primates while tracking the spread of simian born diseases through the same population. In the wake of the African bushmeat crisis, our findings should help prevent further outbreaks of AIDS and other infections in humans by highlighting the health risks of eating primates.
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