MHC Genetic Typing Core

Tulane University Of Louisiana, New Orleans LA

Investigators

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Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract - MHC Genetic Typing Core The specific pathogen-free (SPF) and expanded SPF (eSPF) rhesus macaque breeding colonies for HIV/AIDS research at the Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is part of an extensive evidence-based, integrative, program that incorporates best practices in health surveillance, husbandry, preventive medicine, and behavioral and genetic management. The goals of the genetic management program are to 1) maintain genetic diversity and minimize inbreeding to support sustainable populations and 2) characterize class I MHC alleles in support of HIV/AIDS-related research activities. To this end, the TNPRC Genome Bank collects and stores materials from more than 12,000 unique animals, with additional animals collected as they are produced. The colony is characterized for ancestral geographic origin and parentage confirmed using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel common to all NPRCs. MHC typing has transitioned to extended haplotype next- generation sequencing for class I and class II alleles from PCR-based assays. Data is provided as extended haplotypes as well as continuing to be presented as presence/absence for specific class I alleles. Over the previous grant funding period whole genome sequencing (WGS) has been added for 356 key breeders, focusing on those males and females with the greatest reproductive output. The efforts of the MHC Genetic Typing Core are leveraged by core TNPRC scientists in collaboration with researchers from other NPRCs and research institutions. Notably, this includes the broader NPRC community through consortia activities, particularly the Nonhuman Primate Genetics and Genomics Working Group. The main goals of the genetic management program and MHC Genetic Typing Core continue to be to provide high-quality MHC characterization of the SPF and eSPF breeding colonies in support of HIV/AIDS research, to integrate MHC typing with other genetic and genomic data currently being characterized at the TNPRC, and to develop additional support structures for sharing this data with the research community. These efforts ensure that these rhesus macaque breeding colonies are healthy, sustainable, and of maximal translational research value to the broader HIV/AIDS research community.