Comparative gene mapping and primate evolution

Chromosome homologies defined by banding techniques have allowed the elucidation of the primate chromosomal phylogeny (Turleau et al. 1972, Grouchy et al. 1978, Dutrillaux 1979, Yunis and Prakash 1982). The correspondance of these homologies and the homology of gene content was shown by the first comparative mappings between man and the great apes obtained by somatic cell genetics (Finaz et al. 1973–1975-1977, Pearson et al. 1977). When more distantly related species are studied, homologies are more difficult to define. Nevertheless, Dutrillaux’s group (Dutrillaux 1979, Dutrillaux et al. 1986 for review) has suggested most of the rearrangements having occurred during primate evolution. Only gene mapping in these species could confirm or infirm these homologies and demonstrate homologies not defined by chromosome banding, as for the gibbon.