A first analysis of the genome sequence of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus),
assembled using traditional Sanger methods and Ensembl annotation, has permitted
genomic comparison with apes and old world monkeys and the identification of specific
molecular features that may contribute to the unique biology of this diminutive primate. The
common marmoset has a rapid reproductive capacity partly due to prevalence of dizygotic
twins. Remarkably, these twins share placental circulation and exchange hematopoietic …

We report the whole-genome sequence of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). The
2.26-Gb genome of a female marmoset was assembled using Sanger read data (6×) and a
whole-genome shotgun strategy. A first analysis has permitted comparison with the
genomes of apes and Old World monkeys and the identification of specific features that
might contribute to the unique biology of this diminutive primate, including genetic changes
that may influence body size, frequent twinning and chimerism. We observed positive …