Genetic Variation in Essential Laboratory Primates Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta). Macaca mulatta

The Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine is conducting a large-scale analysis of genetic variation in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using whole genome and whole exome sequencing methods. This project has two goals. First, we wish to generate a broad catalog of genetic variation for this important laboratory primate. This catalog will include single nucleotide variants (SNVs), small insertions and deletions (indels), copy number variation (CNVs) and other structural variation. Access to this catalog by the wider research community will facilitate a wide range of analyses in this species. Second, we wish to identify functionally important genetic variation that can be analyzed for possible effects on phenotypes. While variants affecting any phenotype are potentially interesting, we are primarily focused on discovering genetic variants that influence phenotypes related to human health and disease, with the hope of generating new opportunities for disease-related research. Within this Bioproject we will be submitting sequencing reads from both whole genome sequencing and whole exome capture sequencing. We are indebted to the various primate research facilities and colleagues that have provided either DNA, blood or tissue for use in this Bioproject.