Historical perspective of genetic research with nonhuman primates

Abstract

Genetics became firmly established as a scientific discipline early in the twentieth century, but major genetic research programs that involve nonhuman primates have been initiated only in the last two decades. Considerable activity in this area has been stimulated by the concurrent development of powerful techniques for detecting variability in chromosomes, proteins, and DNA; the establishment of pedigreed breeding colonies; and the recognition that nonhuman primates are ideally suited as models of human disease and social structure. The subdisciplines of cytogenetics, immunogenetics, and biochemical genetics have established a firm basis for biomedical and evolutionary research with nonhuman primates, and they will contribute greatly to future research initiatives. More recently, the advent of molecular genetics has enhanced the opportunities for research; and the exploration of nonhuman primates as potential models for genetically mediated diseases has been richly rewarded. We stand at the threshold of a new and exciting era in genetic research with nonhuman primates. The results of research programs already underway not only will provide more definitive answers about the origin of man, but also will play a critical role in solving the health-related problems of the present and of the future.