Short tandem repeat polymorphic markers for the rat genome from marker-selected libraries

In an effort to generate a genome-wide set of high-quality polymorphic markers for the rat, we used the marker-selection method, which has already been proven useful for the development of markers, especially for the human genome. Small-insert (300–900 bp) rat genomic libraries were constructed with an estimated complexity of three genome equivalents and enriched for short tandem repeat sequences (STRs). The enriched libraries were found to contain 45% (CA)_n and 27% (GATA)_n, representing at least a 50-fold enrichment over unselected small insert genomic libraries. A subset of 2160 STR-containing clones, primarily of the (GATA)_n class of repeats, were sequenced. PCR primers flanking the repeats were synthesized from some of the sequences from the (CA)_n and (GATA)_n classes of STRs and tested for polymorphism in a panel of eight inbred rat strains. This strategy yielded 147 polymorphic markers, which mapped with high odds to all chromosomes by linkage in three F₂ populations. The integration of these STR markers with other rat genetic markers and mapping reagents will facilitate the mapping of disease genes in the rat and the identification of loci associated with complex mammalian phenotypes. Received: 6 May 1998 / Accepted: 6 August 1998     

Variable (CA/GT)n simple sequence repeat DNA in the alga Chlamydomonas

A partial genomic DNA library of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was screened with an (AC)₁₁ probe for the presence of (CA/GT)_n simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Based on the frequency of these repeats in the partial genomic library, we estimate that (CA/GT)_n repeats occur at a rate of about one every 17.7 kb in the C. reinhardtii genome. Ten positive clones were sequenced and four polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer sets flanking (CA/GT)_n sequences were constructed for four loci. The PCR was used to specifically amplify these regions from multiple isolates of C. reinhardtii. All four loci were highly polymorphic in the C. reinhardtii isolates. A simple Mendelian inheritance pattern was found for all four loci, which showed 2:2 segregation in the tetrads resulting from a cross between C. reinhardtii and C. smithii. Our results suggest that these simple sequence repeat DNA loci will be useful for identity testing, population studies, linkage analysis, and genome mapping in Chlamydomonas.     

Characterization of Two Chromosome 12 Cosmid Libraries and Development of STSs from Cosmids Mapped by FISH

We have constructed and characterized two related human chromosome 12-specific cosmid libraries. DNA from flow-sorted chromosomes from a somatic cell hybrid was cloned into a cosmid vector. Approximately 61% of the cosmids in the nearly 26,200 member arrayed libraries (LLt2NC01 and LLt2NC02) contain human DNA inserts, and 31% of the cosmids derived from human DNA contain CA repeats. One hundred and fifty-two cosmids isolated from the libraries have been mapped by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Cosmids containing human DNA inserts were localized by FISH exclusively to chromosome 12, confirming the chromosomal specificity of the libraries. The cosmids have been localized to all parts of this chromosome, although some regions are more highly represented than others. Partial sequence information was obtained from 44 mapped cosmids, and oligonucleotide primer pairs were synthesized that define unique sequence tagged sites (STSs). These mapped cosmids, and unique STSs derived from them, provide a set of useful clones and primer pairs for screening YAC libraries and developing contigs centered on regions of interest within chromosome 12. In addition, 120 of the mapped cosmids contain CA repeats, and thus they also provide a useful resource for defining highly polymorphic simple tandem repeat elements that serve as genetic markers for linkage analysis and disease gene localization.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in the genome of Yak (Bos grunniens)

The researches on yak genetics and breeding were extremely restricted due to lacking of reliable DNA molecular markers. The microsatellites with repeat motif (AC)_n/(GT)_n in yak genome were enriched by Dynal magnetic beads and the gene libraries containing (AC)_n/(GT)_n were constructed. Among the 92 identified and sequenced positive clones, 40 contained perfect repeats (43.48 %), 41 contained imperfect repeats (44.57 %) and 11 contained compound repeats (11.96 %). As compared with the percentage of perfect repeats, no significant increases of imperfect repeats were observed in yak genome, which indicated that the level of adaptive evolution of the ability to repair damaged genomic DNA for yaks were high enough to endure the natural pressure of nucleotide substitution resulted from ultraviolet irradiation in high-altitude areas. Totally 19 polymorphic microsatellite loci were screened and genotyped on the basis of electropherograms on an ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer. All the loci exhibited moderate to high-level polymorphisms in a test population of Bos grunniens and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.299 to 0.861 (mean 0.678). The newly isolated (AC)_n/(GT)_n repeats from yak genome will display their potential values in examining intra-population genetic structure and inter-population relationships, and also in investigating molecular markers for production and adaptive traits of individual/population.     

A small-insert bovine genomic library highly enriched for microsatellite repeat sequences

A bovine genomic phagemid library was constructed with randomly sheared DNA. Enrichment of this single-stranded DNA library with CA or GT primers resulted in 45% positive clones. The 14% of positive clones with (CA · GT)>12, and not containing flanking repetitive elements, were sequenced, and the efficiency of marker production was compared with random M13 bacteriophage libraries. Primer sequences and genotyping information are presented for 390 informative bovine microsatellite markers. The genomic frequency for 11 tri- and tetranucleotide repeats was estimated by hybridization to a lambda genomic library. Only GCT, GGT, and GGAT were estimated to have a frequency of >100 per genome. Enrichment of the phagemid library for these repeats failed to provide a viable source of microsatellite markers in the bovine. Comparison of map interval lengths between 100 markers from the enriched library prepared from randomly sheared DNA and M13 bacteriophage libraries prepared from Mbo1 restriction digests suggested no bias in skeletal genomic coverage based on source of small insert DNA. In conclusion, enrichment of the bovine phagemid library provides a sufficient source of microsatellites so that small repeat lengths and flanking repetitive sequences common in the bovine can be eliminated, resulting in a high percentage of informative markers.The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to GenBank and have been assigned the accession numbers U25689 and U25690.     

Rapid detection of CA polymorphisms in cloned DNA: application to the 5'' region of the dystrophin gene.

To identify CA repeats in genomic sequences which had been previously subcloned into plasmids, we performed PCR using a (CA)n primer and a flanking vector primer on the genomic inserts. By incorporation of a restriction enzyme site into the (CA)n primer, we have been able to subclone the genomic DNA so that the sequence flanking the CA repeat is readily determined. Primers can then be designed to amplify across the CA repeat in patient DNA samples. Application of this technique to genomic DNAs surrounding the upstream "brain" promoter of the dystrophin gene has led to the discovery of four new CA repeats. Three of these repeats are highly polymorphic, with PICs ranging from .586 to .768. The location of these markers at the extreme 5' terminus of the dystrophin gene, together with their high degree of polymorphism and ease of assay, makes them ideal for linkage analysis in families with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.     

Development and characterisation of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Highly informative molecular markers, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), can greatly accelerate breeding programs. The aim of this study was to develop and characterise a comprehensive set of SSR markers for white clover (Trifolium repens L.), which can be used to tag genes and quantitative trait loci controlling traits of agronomic interest. Sequence analysis of 1123 clones from genomic libraries enriched for (CA) _n repeats yielded 793 clones containing SSR loci. The majority of SSRs consisted of perfect dinucleotide repeats, only 7% being trinucleotide repeats. After exclusion of redundant sequences and SSR loci with less than 25 bp of flanking sequence, 397 potentially useful SSRs remained. Primer pairs were designed for 117 SSR loci and PCR products in the expected size range were amplified from 101 loci. These markers were highly polymorphic, 88% detecting polymorphism across seven white clover genotypes with an average allele number of 4.8. Four primer pairs were tested in an F₂ population revealing Mendelian segregation. Successful cross-species amplification was achieved in at least one out of eight legume species for 46 of 54 primer pairs. The rate of successful amplification was significantly higher for Trifolium species when compared to species of other genera. The markers developed in this study not only provide valuable tools for molecular breeding of white clover but may also have applications in related taxa. Received: 3 April 2000 / Accepted: 12 May 2000     

Informativeness of human (dC-dA)n · (dG-dT)n polymorphisms

Abundant human interspersed repetitive DNA sequences of the form (dC-dA)_n · (dG-dT)_n have been shown to exhibit length polymorphisms. Examination of over 100 human (dC-dA)_n · (dG-dT)_n sequences revealed that the sequences differed from each other both in numbers of repeats and in repeat sequence type. Using a set of precise classification rules, the sequences were divided into three categories: perfect repeat sequences without interruptions in the runs of CA or GT dinucleotides (64% of total), imperfect repeat sequences with one or more interruptions in the run of repeats (25%), and compound repeat sequences with adjacent tandem simple repeats of a different sequence (11%). Informativeness of (dC-dA)_n · (dG-dT)_n markers in the perfect sequence category was found to increase with increasing average numbers of repeats. PIC values ranged from 0 at about 10 or fewer repeats to above 0.8 for sequences with about 24 or more repeats. (dC-dA)_n · (dG-dT)_n polymorphisms in the imperfect sequence category showed lower informativeness than expected on the basis of the total numbers of repeats. The longest run of uninterrupted CA or GT repeats was found to be the best predictor of informativeness of (dC-dA)_n · (dG-dT)_n polymorphisms regardless of the repeat sequence category.     

Development and incorporation of microsatellite markers into the linkage map of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris spp.)

A set of informative simple sequence repeat markers has been identified for use in the marker-assisted breeding of Beta vulgaris. Highly enriched small insert genomic libraries were constructed, consisting of 1536 clones (with inserts of between 250–900 bp). Screening the clones with CA, CT, CAA, CATA and GATA nucleotide-repeat probes revealed positive hybridisation to over 50% of the clones. Of these 340 were sequenced. Primer pairs were designed for sequences flanking the repeats and, of these, 57 pairs revealed length polymorphism with 12 Beta accessions. Heterozygosity levels of the SSR loci ranged from 0.069 to 0.809. Heterozygosity levels were found to be similar to those detected employing RFLP probes with the same accessions. Phenetic analysis using the markers, indicated relationships in accordance with known pedigrees. Twenty three of the SSR markers were polymorphic in one or both of two F₂ mapping populations, and were placed relative to a framework of RFLP probes. The markers are distributed over all nine linkage groups of sugar beet. Received: 14 July 1999 / Accepted: 27 October 1999     

A class of highly polymorphic tetranucleotide repeats for canine genetic mapping

We have identified and characterized a new class of polymorphic markers for the canine genome from a simple tetranucleotide repeat sequence, (GAAA)_n. Genetic markers derived from this repeat are highly polymorphic compared with other canine microsatellites, yet are stable enough to be useful for following Mendelian inheritance in multigeneration pedigrees. We show further that (GAAA)_n repeats are distributed throughout the canine genome and occur with sufficient frequency to be useful in the development of a framework map of the canine genome. Received: 25 October 1995 / Accepted: 17 January 1996     

Characterization of highly variable (GA/CT) n microsatellites in the bur oak,Quercus macrocarpa

The objective of this study was to ascertain the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based microsatellite analysis for studying pollination and parentage in a wind-pollinated temperate tree. A small insert genomic library of the bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) was constructed and screened for the presence of (CA/GT) _n and (GA/CT) _n repeats. The proportion of positive clones yielded estimates of 3×10⁵ such dinucleotide repeats per genome, roughly comparable to abundances reported in other eukaryotic genomes. Thirteen positive clones were sequenced. In contrast to mammalian genomes, the (GA/CT) _n motif was more abundant than the (CA/GT) _n motif in these clones. The (GA/CT) _n repeats also showed longer average repeat length (mean n=16.2 versus 7.3), suggesting that they are better candidates for yielding polymorphic genetic markers in oak genomes. Indeed, a survey of adult bur oaks and offspring in a small stand in northern Illinois at 3 of these (GA/CT) _n microsatellite loci revealed Mendelian inheritance and extremely high levels of polymorphism, with the number of alleles at each locus ranging from 11–20 and heterozygosity ranging from 0.66 to 0.75. These results, indicating that (GA/CT) _n microsatellites are both abundant and highly polymorphic in the bur oak genome, suggest that such genetic markers have tremendous potential for applications for studies of parentage, pollination and dispersal in temperate trees.     

Sixty simple sequence repeat markers for use in the Festuca–Lolium complex of grasses

So far only very few simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from grass species have had their primer sequences published. To make more markers available to the scientific community, we isolated and sequenced 256 microsatellite‐containing clones from four genome libraries of a Lolium multiflorum×Festuca glaucescens F₁ hybrid following enrichment in (TC)_n, (TG)_n, or both repeats. In this work, we report the primer sequences of 60 SSRs including preliminary results of polymorphism for mapping.     

An integrated genetic linkage map of avocado

 An avocado genomic library was screened with various microsatellite repeats. (A/T)_n and (TC/AG)_n sequences were found to be the most frequent repeats. One hundred and seventy-two positive clones were sequenced successfully of which 113 were found to contain simple sequence repeats (SSR). Polymerase chain reaction primers were designed to the regions flanking the SSR in 62 clones. A GenBank search of avocado DNA sequences revealed 1 sequence containing a (CT)₁₀ repeat. A total of 92 avocado-specific SSR markers were screened for polymorphism using 50 offspring of a cross between the avocado cultivars ‘Pinkerton’ and ‘Ettinger’. Both are standard avocado cultivars which are normally outcrossed and highly heterozygous. Fifty polymorphic SSR loci, 17 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and 23 minisatellite DNA Fingerprint (DFP) bands were used to construct the avocado genetic map. The resulting data were analyzed with various mapping programs in order to assess which program best accommodated data from progeny of heterozygous parents. The analyses resulted in 12 linkage groups with 34 markers (25 SSRs, 3 RAPDs and 6 DFP bands) covering 352.6 cM. This initial map can serve as a basis for developing a detailed genomic map and for detection of linkage between markers and quantitative trait loci. Received: 2 April 1996 / Accepted: 28 February 1997     

Allelic diversity of simple sequence repeats among elite inbred lines of cultivated sunflower.

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) from the DNA sequences of 970 clones isolated from genomic DNA libraries enriched for (CA)n,, (CT)n, (CAA)n, (CATA)n, or (GATA)n. The clones harbored 632 SSRs, of which 259 were unique. SSR markers were developed for 130 unique SSRs by designing and testing primers for 171 unique SSRs. Of the total, 74 SSR markers were polymorphic when screened for length polymorphisms among 16 elite inbred lines. The mean number of alleles per locus was 3.7 for dinucleotide, 3.6 for trinucleotide, and 9.5 for tetranucleotide repeats and the mean polymorphic information content (PIC) scores were 0.53 for dinucleotide, 0.53 for trinucleotide, and 0.83 for tetranucleotide repeats. Cluster analyses uncovered patterns of genetic diversity concordant with patterns produced by RFLP fingerprinting. SSRs were found to be slightly more polymorphic than RFLPs. Several individual SSRs were significantly more polymorphic than RFLP and other DNA markers in sunflower (20% of the polymorphic SSR markers had PIC scores ranging from 0.70 to 0.93). The newly developed SSRs greatly increase the supply of sequence-based DNA markers for DNA fingerprinting, genetic mapping, and molecular breeding in sunflower; however, several hundred additional SSR markers are needed to routinely construct complete genetic maps and saturate the genome.     

Identification,characterisation and clinical applications of cosmids from the telomeric and centromeric regions of the long arm of chromosome 22

Using human telomeric repeats and centromeric alpha repeats, we have identified adjacent single copy cosmid clones from human chromosome 22 cosmid libraries. These single copy cosmids were mapped to chromosome 22 by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). Based on these cosmids, we established contigs that included part of the telomeric and subtelomeric regions, and part of the centromeric and pericentromeric regions of the long arm of human chromosome 22. Each of the two cosmid contigs consisted of five consecutive steps and spanned approximately 100–150 kb at both extreme ends of 22q. Moreover, highly informative polymorphic markers were identified in the telomeric region. Our results suggest that the telomere specific repeat (TTAGGG) _n encompasses a region that is larger than 40 kb. The cosmid contigs and restriction fragment length polymorphism markers described here are useful tools for physical and genetic mapping of chromosome 22, and constitute the basis of further studies of the structure of the subtelomeric and pericentromeric regions of 22q. We also demonstrate the use of these clones in clinical diagnosis of different chromosome 22 aberrations by FISH.     

Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellites in Snap Bean

The objectives of this study were to isolate and characterize microsatellites from a heat tolerant variety of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in order to generate polymorphic genetic markers linked to quantitative trait loci for heat tolerance. A genomic library contained 400-800 bp inserts was constructed and screened for the presence of (GA/CT)n and (CA/GT)n repeats. The proportion of positive clones yielded estimated of 3.72×10 4 such dinucleotide repeats per genome, roughly comparable to the abundance reported in other eukaryotic genomes. Twenty-six positive clones were sequenced. In contrast to mammalian genomes, the (GA/CT)n motif was much more abundant than the (CA/GT)n motif in these clones. The (GA/CT)n repeats also showed longer average repeat length (mean n=10.4 versus 6.5), suggesting that they are better candidates for yielding polymorphic genetic markers in the snap bean genome.     

Isolation and characterization of 70 novel microsatellite markers from ostrich (Struthio camelus) genome.

Microsatellite markers are widely used in linkage mapping, parentage testing, population genetic studies, and molecular evolution studies in many agricultural species, while only a limited number of ostrich (Struthio camelus) microsatellites have been isolated. Thus, we constructed a random small-insert genomic library and a microsatellite-enriched library containing CA repeats. Fourteen clones containing CA repeats were isolated from 3462 clones in the non-enriched library by radioactive screening and 248 positive clones were isolated from 300 sequenced clones from the enriched library by PCR screening. After the enrichment procedures, the proportion of clones containing CA repeats was raised to 78.8%, compared with 0.4% in the non-enriched libraries, indicating that the enrichment value approaches 200 fold, which decreased the time and cost of cloning. The number of complete simple CA repeats in these positive clones ranged from 5 to 29. The primers for 94 of these microsatellites were developed and used to detect polymorphisms, of which 61 loci exhibited length polymorphisms in 17 unrelated ostrich individuals. The new polymorphic microsatellite markers we have identified and characterized will contribute to the ostrich genetic map, parentage testing, and comparative genomics between avian species.     

Development of 1,030 genomic SSR markers in switchgrass

Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum L., a native to the tall grass prairies in North America, has been grown for soil conservation and herbage production in the USA and recently widely recognized as a promising dedicated cellulosic bioenergy crop. A large amount of codominant molecular markers including simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are required for the construction of linkage maps and implementation of molecular breeding strategies to develop superior switchgrass cultivars. The objectives of this study were (1) to identify SSR-containing clones and to design PCR primer pairs (PPs) in SSR-enriched genomic libraries, and (2) to validate and characterize the designed SSR PPs. Five genomic SSR enriched libraries were constructed using genomic DNA of ‘SL93 7 × 15’, a switchgrass genotype selected in an Oklahoma State University (OSU) southern lowland breeding population. A total of 3,046 clones from four libraries enriched in (CA/TG)n, (GA/TC)n, (CAG/CTG)n and (AAG/CTT)n SSR repeats were sequenced at the OSU Core Facility. From the sequences, we isolated 1,300 unique SSR-containing clones, from which we designed 1,398 PPs using SSR Locator V.1 software. Among the designed PPs, 1,030 (73.7%) amplified reproducible and strong bands with expected fragment size, and 802 detected polymorphic alleles, in SL93 7 × 15 and ‘NL94 16 × 13’, two parents of one mapping population. All of the four libraries contained a high rate of perfect SSR repeat types, ranging from 62.7 to 76.2%. Polymorphism of the effective SSR markers was also tested in two lowland and two upland switchgrass cultivars, encompassing ‘Alamo’ and ‘Kanlow’, and ‘Blackwell’ and ‘Dacotah’, respectively. The developed SSR markers should be useful in genetic and breeding research in switchgrass.     

Development and characterization of genomic SSR markers in Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are a major molecular tool for genetic and genomic research that have been extensively developed and used in major crops. However, few are available in African bermudagrass (Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy), an economically important warm-season turfgrass species. African bermudagrass is mainly used for hybridizations with common bermudagrass [C. dactylon var. dactylon (L.) Pers.] in the development of superior interspecific hybrid turfgrass cultivars. Accordingly, the major objective of this study was to develop and characterize a large set of SSR markers. Genomic DNA of C. transvaalensis ‘4200TN 24-2’ from an Oklahoma State University (OSU) turf nursery was extracted for construction of four SSR genomic libraries enriched with [CA] _n , [GA] _n , [AAG] _n , and [AAT] _n as core repeat motifs. A total of 3,064 clones were sequenced at the OSU core facility. The sequences were categorized into singletons and contiguous sequences to exclude redundancy. From the two sequence categories, 1,795 SSR loci were identified. After excluding duplicate SSRs by comparison with previously developed SSR markers using a nucleotide basic local alignment tool, 1,426 unique primer pairs (PPs) were designed. Out of the 1,426 designed PPs, 981 (68.8 %) amplified alleles of the expected size in the donor DNA. Polymorphisms of the SSR PPs tested in eight C. transvaalensis plants were 93 % polymorphic with 544 markers effective in all genotypes. Inheritance of the SSRs was examined in six F₁ progeny of African parents ‘T577’ × ‘Uganda’, indicating 917 markers amplified heritable alleles. The SSR markers developed in the study are the first large set of co-dominant markers in African bermudagrass and should be highly valuable for molecular and traditional breeding research.     

Development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and construction of an SSR-based linkage map in Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)

In order to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in Italian ryegrass, we constructed a genomic library enriched for (CA)n-containing SSR repeats. A total of 1,544 clones were sequenced, of which 1,044 (67.6%) contained SSR motifs, and 395 unique clones were chosen for primer design. Three hundred and fifty-seven of these clones amplified products of the expected size in both parents of a two-way pseudo-testcross F₁ mapping population, and 260 primer pairs detected genetic polymorphism in the F₁ population. Genetic loci detected by a total of 218 primer pairs were assigned to locations on seven linkage groups, representing the seven chromosomes of the haploid Italian ryegrass karyotype. The SSR markers covered 887.8 cM of the female map and 795.8 cM of the male map. The average distance between two flanking SSR markers was 3.2 cM. The SSR markers developed in this study will be useful in cultivar discrimination, linkage analysis, and marker-assisted selection of Italian ryegrass and closely related species.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at and is accessible for authorized users.