Taxonomic revision of the genus Mesechinus (Mammalia Erinaceidae) with description of a new species

Hedgehogs in the genus Mesechinus （Family Erinaceidae）, which include two currently recognized species （ M. dauuricus and M. hughi）, are distributed from northeast Mongolia to the upper Amur Basin in Russia and adjacent areas in northeast and northern China. In recent years, a population of Mesechinus hedgehogs was discovered from Mt. Gaoligong, southwestern Yunnan, China, far from the known distribution range of the genus. Furthermore, these hedgehogs are the only known population to be distributed at elevations higher than 2 100 m and in sympatry with gymnures. To evaluate the taxonomic status of these hedgehogs, we examined specimens representing Mesechinus taxa in China and further conducted morphometric and karyotypic analyses. Our results supported the existence of four species in China. Specifically, we identified the hedgehogs from Mt. Gaoligong as a new species, Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., and recognized M. miodon, previously considered as a synonym of either M. dauuricus or M. hughi as a distinct species. Interestingly, we observed a supernumerary M4 on all specimens of Mesechinus wangi sp. nov., which is an extremely rare event in the evolution of mammalian dentition.

Species identification of crested gibbons(Nomascus) in captivity in China using karyotyping-and PCR-based approaches

Gibbons and siamangs （Hylobatidae） are well-known for their rapid chromosomal evolution,which has resulted in high speciation rate within the family.On the other hand,distinct karyotypes do not prevent speciation,allowing interbreeding between individuals in captivity,and the unwanted hybrids are ethically problematic as all gibbon species are endangered or critically endangered.Thus,accurate species identification is crucial for captive breeding,particularly in China where studbooks are unavailable.Identification based on external morphology is difficult,especially for hybrids,because species are usually similar in appearance.In this study,we employed G-banding karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH） as well as a PCR-based approach to examine karyotypic characteristics and identify crested gibbons of the genus Nomascus from zoos and nature reserves in China.We characterized and identified five karyotypes from 21 individuals of Nomascus.Using karyotypes and mitochondrial and nuclear genes,we identified three purebred species and three hybrids,including one F2 hybrid between N.gabriellae and N.siki.Our results also supported that N.leucogenys and N.siki shared the same inversion on chromosome 7,which resolves arguments from previous studies.Our results demonstrated that both karyotyping and DNA-based approaches were suitable for identifying purebred species,though neither was ideal for hybrid identification.The advantages and disadvantages of both approaches are discussed.Our results further highlight the importance of animal ethics and welfare,which are critical for endangered species in captivity.

Evaluating the Phylogenetic Position of Chinese Tree Shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis) Based on Complete Mitochondrial Genome:Implication for Using Tree Shrew as an Alternative Experimental Animal to Primates in Biomedical Research

Tree shrew （Tupaia belangeri） is currently placed in Order Scandentia and has a wide distribution in Southeast Asia and Southwest China. Due to its unique characteristics, such as small body size, high brain-to-body mass ratio, short reproductive cycle and life span, and low-cost of maintenance, tree shrew has been proposed to be an alternative experimental animal to primates in biomedical research. However, there are some debates regarding the exact phylogenetic affinity of tree shrew to primates. In this study, we determined the mtDNA entire genomes of three Chinese tree shrews （T. belangeri chinensis） and one Malayan flying lemur （Galeopterus variegatus）. Combined with the published data for species in Euarchonta, we intended to diseen] the phylogenetic relationship among representative species of Dermoptera, Scandentia and Primates. The mtDNA genomes of Chinese tree shrews and Malayan flying lemur shared similar gene organization and structure with those of other mammals. Phylogenetic analysis based on 12 concatenated mitochondrial proteinencoding genes revealed a closer relationship between species of Scandentia and Glires, whereas species of Dermoptera were clustered with Primates. This pattern was consistent with previously reported phylogeny based on mtDNA data, but differed from the one reconstructed on the basis of nuclear genes. Our result suggested that the matrilineal affinity of tree shrew to primates may not be as close as we had thought. The ongoing project for sequencing the entire genome of Chinese tree shrew will provide more information to clarify this important issue.

Partial AZFc duplications not deletions are associated with male infertility in the Yi population of Yunnan Province,China

Objective:There are many reports on associations between spermatogenesis and partial azoospermia factor c(AZFc) deletions as well as duplications;however,results are conflicting,possibly due to differences in methodology and ethnic background.The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of AZFc polymorphisms and male infertility in the Yi ethnic population,residents within Yunnan Province,ChinaMethods:A total of 224 infertile patients and 153 fertile subjects were selected in the Yi ethnic population.The study was performed by sequence-tagged site plus/minus(STS+/) analysis followed by gene dosage and gene copy definition analysis.Y haplotypes of 215 cases and 115 controls were defined by 12 binary markers using single nucleotide polymorphism on Y chromosome(Y-SNP) multiplex assays based on single base primer extension technology.Results:The distribution of Y haplotypes was not significantly different between the case and control groups.The frequencies of both gr/gr(7.6% vs.8.5%) and b2/b3(6.3% vs.8.5%) deletions do not show significant differences.Similarly,single nucleotide variant(SNV) analysis shows no significant difference of gene copy definition between the cases and controls.However,the frequency of partial duplications in the infertile group(4.0%) is significantly higher than that in the control group(0.7%).Further,we found a case with sY1206 deletion which had two CDY1 copies but removed half of DAZ genes.Conclusions:Our results show that male infertility is associated with partial AZFc duplications,but neither gr/gr nor b2/b3 deletions,suggesting that partial AZFc duplications rather than deletions are risk factors for male infertility in Chinese-Yi population.