Two Y-chromosomal lineages in White-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys) indicate a possible male-mediated introgression in ‘sinica’ group macaques

Aim

Whether widespread gene flow among primates is emblematic of their initial radiation or resulted from secondary contactremains a long-standing question. We address this question on ‘sinica’ group macaques, highlighting the origin of the white-cheeked macaque (Macaca leucogenys).

Location

Eastern Himalayan highlands of Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Taxon

Macaca leucogenys Li, Zhao, Fan, 2015b (Cercopithecidae).

Methods

Mitochondrial genomes and Y-chromosomal TSPY gene sequences of WCM were obtained from two distant populations through low-depth genome sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted along with sequences of other available species within the genus Macaca.

Results

We observed the presence of a single maternal lineage but two parental lineages. Interestingly, one paternal lineage of the white-cheeked macaque clustered with a common lineage of M. assamensis and M. munzala. The other paternal lineage clustered with the sequences of the white-cheeked macaque from the type locality in Southeastern Tibet.

Main Conclusions

The result indicates a possible historic male-mediated introgression in the white-cheeked macaque, which is also present in the two other species belonging to the ‘sinica’ group. Therefore, extensive gene flow in ‘sinica’ group macaques possibly came from one or more introgression events in the past that also played a role in the origin and evolution of these macaque species.