Extensive polymorphism in Cryptosporidium parvum identified by multilocus microsatellite analysis

Restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequence analysis discern two main types of Cryptosporidium parvum. We present a survey of length polymorphism at several microsatellite loci for type 1 and type 2 isolates. A total of 14 microsatellite loci were identified from C. parvum DNA sequences deposited in public databases. All repeats were mono-, di-, and trinucleotide repeats of A, AT, and AAT, reflecting the high AT content of the C. parvum genome. Several of these loci showed significant length polymorphism, with as many as seven alleles identified for a single locus. Differences between alleles ranged from 1 to 27 bp. Karyotype analysis using probes flanking three microsatellites localized each marker to an individual chromosomal band, suggesting that these markers are single copy. In a sample of 19 isolates for which at least three microsatellites were typed, a majority of isolates displayed a unique multilocus fingerprint. Microsatellite analysis of isolates passaged between different host species identified genotypic changes consistent with changes in parasite populations.     

Multilocus fragment typing and genetic structure of Cryptosporidium parvum Isolates from diarrheic preweaned calves in Spain

A collection of 140 Cryptosporidium parvum isolates previously analyzed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequence analyses of the small-subunit (SSU) rRNA and 60-kDa glycoprotein (GP60) genes was further characterized by multilocus fragment typing of six minisatellite (MSB and MS5) and microsatellite (ML1, ML2, TP14, and 5B12) loci. Isolates were collected from diarrheic preweaned calves originating from 61 dairy cattle farms in northern Spain. A capillary electrophoresis-based tool combining three different fluorescent tags was used to analyze all six satellites in one capillary. Fragment sizes were adjusted after comparison with sizes obtained by sequence analysis of a selection of isolates for every allele. Size discrepancies at all but the 5B12 locus were found for those isolates that were typed by both techniques, although identical size differences were reported for every allele within each locus. A total of eight alleles were seen at the ML2 marker, which contributed the most to the discriminatory power of the multilocus approach. Multilocus fragment typing clearly improved the discriminatory power of GP60 sequencing, since a total of 59 multilocus subtypes were identified based on the combination of alleles at the six satellite loci, in contrast to the 7 GP60 subtypes previously reported. The majority of farms (38) displayed a unique multilocus subtype, and individual isolates with mixed multilocus subtypes were seen at 22 farms. Bayesian structure analysis based on combined data for both satellite and GP60 loci suggested the presence of two major clusters among the C. parvum isolates from cattle farms in this geographical area.     

A search for genetic markers associated with egg production in the ostrich (Struthio camelus)

The aim of the current study was to search for genetic markers, microsatellite loci associated with laying performance in ostriches. The material consisted of two groups of ostrich hens characterized by high or low laying performance (over 75 and less than 25 eggs per season, respectively). The investigation covered 30 microsatellite loci characteristic for the ostrich (the CAU group) and led to identification of significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between the two groups of hens considered. Out of a total of 30 microsatellite loci examined, 28 showed different alleles in relation to analyzed performance groups. In hens of high laying performance (HP group, n = 12), specific alleles occurred in 23 microsatellite loci (40 alleles of 243 identified), while in those of low egg production (LP group, n = 12), they occurred in 22 (51 alleles of 243 identified). The results indicate the usefulness of the microsatellite loci as the potential genetic markers associated with laying performance that can be applied for genetic improvement of ostrich flocks.     

Multilocus genetic analysis of Cryptosporidium in naturally contaminated bivalve molluscs

AIMS: To evaluate the application of discriminatory multilocus PCR procedures for the characterization of Cryptosporidium in samples of naturally contaminated bivalve molluscan shellfish. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nucleic acid was extracted from 22 shellfish previously identified as contaminated with Cryptosporidium spp. and subjected to PCR-based analysis for two independent fragments of the Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (COWP) gene, three microsatellite markers (ML 1, GP 15 and MS 5) and an extra-chromosomal small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Overall, at least one COWP gene fragment was amplified from all 22 samples, 21 amplified the dsRNA and 14 at least one of the three microsatellite loci. More than one dsRNA or microsatellite allele was detected in 50% of samples. The majority of samples were contaminated with Cryptosporidium parvum types circulating in both humans and livestock. A novel dsRNA element was identified in one sample, which did not amplify any of the three microsatellite loci investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Multilocus analysis of Cryptosporidium can be applied to DNA extracted from naturally contaminated shellfish. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: This multilocus genetic analysis highlights that filter feeder molluscs are a potential source of cryptosporidial oocysts, which may be infectious to humans.     

Assessment of genetic variation and differentiation of hop genotypes by microsatellite and AFLP markers.

Microsatellites have many desirable marker properties and have been increasingly used in crop plants in genetic diversity studies. Here we report on the characterisation of microsatellite markers and on their use for the determination of genetic identities and the assessment of genetic variability among accessions from a germplasm collection of hop. Thirty-two polymorphic alleles were found in the 55 diploid genotypes, with an average number of eight alleles (3.4 effective alleles) for four microsatellite loci. Calculated polymorphic information content values classified three loci as informative markers and two loci as suitable for mapping. The average observed heterozygosity was 0.7 and the common probability of identical genotypes was 3.271 x 10(-4). An additional locus, amplified by one primer pair, was confirmed by segregation analysis of two crosses. The locus discovered was heterozygous, with a null allele in the segregating population. The same range of alleles was detected in nine triploid and five tetraploid hop genotypes. Cultivar heterozygosity varied among all 69 accessions, with only one cultivar being homozygous at four loci. Microsatellite allele polymorphisms distinguished 81% of all genotypes; the same allelic profile was found mainly in clonally selected cultivars. Cultivar-specific alleles were found in some genotypes, as well as a specific distribution of alleles in geographically distinct hop germplasms. The genetic relationship among 41 hop accessions was compared on the basis of microsatellite and AFLP polymorphisms. Genetic similarity dendrograms showed low correlation between the two marker systems. The microsatellite dendrogram grouped genetically related accessions reasonably well, while the AFLP dendrogram showed good clustering of closely related accessions and, additionally, separated two geographically distinct hop germplasms. The results of microsatellite and AFLP analysis are discussed from the point of view of the applicability of the two marker systems for different aspects of germplasm evaluation.     

Analysis of 22 heterologous microsatellite markers for genetic variability in Indian goats

The genetic variability of 22 heterologous microsatellite markers was analyzed in two Indian goat breeds, namely Bengal and Chegu. The heterozygosity, polymorphism information content (PIC), and probability of identity of two individuals were calculated for all microsatellite loci in both the breeds. The observed number of alleles varied between 4 and 13 at the studied microsatellite loci. The evaluated microsatellite loci exhibited high mean heterozygosity of 0.69 +/- 0.11 and 0.66 +/- 0.07 in Bengal and Chegu goats, respectively. The mean PIC values of the studied loci in these breeds were 0.79 +/- 0.08 and 0.78 +/- 0.05, respectively. The probability of identity of two random individuals from different breeds, taking into account, all the 22 microsatellite loci was as low as 5.523 x 10(-40). On the basis of these results, we propose that these microsatellite markers may be used with reliability for studying genetic diversity and for identification of individuals in Indian goat breeds.     

Identifying loci influencing 1,000-kernel weight in wheat by microsatellite screening for evidence of selection during breeding

Chinese wheat mini core collection (262 accessions) was genotyped at 531 microsatellite loci representing a mean marker density of 5.1 cM. One-thousand-kernel weights (TKW) of lines were measured in five trials (three environments in four growing seasons). Structure analysis based on 42 unlinked SSR loci indicated that the materials formed two sub-populations, viz., landraces and modern varieties. A large difference in TKW (7.08 g, P<0.001) was found between the two sub-groups. Therefore, TKW is a major yield component that was improved in the past 6 decades; it increased from a mean 31.5 g in the 1940s to 44.64 g in the 2000s, representing a 2.19 g increase in each decade. Analyses based on a mixed linear model (MLM), population structure (Q) and relative kinship (K) revealed 22 SSR loci that were significantly associated with mean TKW (MTKW) of the five trials estimated by the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) method. They were mainly distributed on chromosomes of homoeologous groups 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7. Six loci, cfa2234-3A, gwm156-3B, barc56-5A, gwm234-5B, wmc17-7A and cfa2257-7A individually explained more than 11.84% of the total phenotypic variation. Favored alleles for breeding at the 22 loci were inferred according to their estimated effects on MTKW based on mean difference of varieties grouped by genotypes. Statistical simulation showed that these favored alleles have additive genetic effects. Frequency changes of alleles at loci associated with TKW are much more dramatic than those at neutral loci between the sub-groups. The numbers of favored alleles in modern varieties indicate there is still considerable genetic potential for their use as markers for genome selection of TKW in wheat breeding. Alleles that can be used globally to increase TKW were inferred according to their distribution by latitude and frequency of changes between landraces and the modern varieties.     

Microsatellite Loci Polymorphism of Apple (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malus domestica</Emphasis> Borkh.) Genotypes with Different Ploidy Level

In this paper, the microsatellite (SSR) loci analysis was used to study apple genotypes with different levels of ploidy. A total of 47 samples were studied (9 diploids, 21 triploids, and 17 tetraploids) for seven microsatellite loci (GD147, Hi02C07, CH02c11, CH04c07, CH03d07, CH02c09, and GD12). It was possible to refine the pedigrees for some forms. It was established that the tetraploidss 20-9-30 and 20-9-27, selected in a hybrid family from the crossing of Wealthy 4x and Antonovka Obyknovennaya, were probably obtained from the self-pollination of the maternal form, since in the most loci they did not inherit alleles from the paternal form. As a result of the alleles distribution analysis, the spontaneous triploid cultivars Nizkorosloe and Sinap Orlovsky were revealed to be formed from the merge of an unreduced ovum and haploid pollen, since in the heterozygous loci both alleles are inherited from the maternal form and only one from the paternal form. According to the obtained data, studied tetraploids may be divided into two groups, which also reflect the features of tetraploids origin. The first group includes tetraploids inherited alleles from one initial diploid form (including spontaneous and induced tetraploids, as well as forms from self-pollination of the tetraploid maternal form). These teraploids, like diploids, amplify 1–2 alleles per locus (on average, for all 7 loci, one genotype amplifies 13 alleles). The second group includes tetraploids carrying alleles from several initial diploid forms. Tetraploids of this group are highly heterozygous and amplify 3–4 alleles at most loci (the maximum number of alleles at all loci, 24 alleles, was identified in the form 30-47-88). Tetraploids of the second group have a greater potential for the genetic diversity of its offspring. Analysis of polymorphism of microsatellite loci can be used (1) as an alternative or additional method for identifying the triploid hybrids from heteroploid crosses of orthoploid forms, which is based on the analysis of the loci most polymorphic in parental forms, and (2) for the analysis of true hybridity (verification of pedigrees), including tetraploid forms. Moreover, we identified the most polymorphic loci suitable for the above purposes. The aspects of qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the fragment analysis of microsatellite loci results are considered. The possibilities and limitations of the SSR analysis for detection of apple ploidy level are discussed.     

Limited usefulness of microsatellite markers from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae when applied to the closely related species Anopheles melas

Anopheles melas is a brackish water mosquito found in coastal West Africa where it is a dominant malaria vector locally. In order to facilitate genetic studies of this species, 45 microsatellite loci originally developed for Anopheles gambiae were sequenced in An. melas. Those that were suitable based on repeat number and flanking regions were examined in 2 natural populations from Equatorial Guinea. Only 15 loci were eventually deemed suitable as polymorphic markers in An. melas populations. These loci were screened in 4 populations from a wider geographic range. Heterozygosity estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.79, and 2.5-15 average alleles were observed per locus, yielding 13 highly polymorphic markers and 2 loci with lower variability. To examine the usefulness of microsatellite markers when applied in a sibling species, the original An. gambiae specific markers were used to amplify 5 loci in An. melas. Null alleles were found for 1 An. gambiae marker. We discuss the pitfalls of using microsatellite loci across closely related species and conclude that in addition to the problem of null alleles associated with this practice, many loci may prove to be of very limited use as polymorphic markers even when used in a sibling species.     

High genetic diversity and fine-scale spatial structure in the marine flagellate Oxyrrhis marina (Dinophyceae) uncovered by microsatellite loci

Free-living marine protists are often assumed to be broadly distributed and genetically homogeneous on large spatial scales. However, an increasing application of highly polymorphic genetic markers (e.g., microsatellites) has provided evidence for high genetic diversity and population structuring on small spatial scales in many free-living protists. Here we characterise a panel of new microsatellite markers for the common marine flagellate Oxyrrhis marina. Nine microsatellite loci were used to assess genotypic diversity at two spatial scales by genotyping 200 isolates of O. marina from 6 broad geographic regions around Great Britain and Ireland; in one region, a single 2 km shore line was sampled intensively to assess fine-scale genetic diversity. Microsatellite loci resolved between 1-6 and 7-23 distinct alleles per region in the least and most variable loci respectively, with corresponding variation in expected heterozygosities (H(e)) of 0.00-0.30 and 0.81-0.93. Across the dataset, genotypic diversity was high with 183 genotypes detected from 200 isolates. Bayesian analysis of population structure supported two model populations. One population was distributed across all sampled regions; the other was confined to the intensively sampled shore, and thus two distinct populations co-occurred at this site. Whilst model-based analysis inferred a single UK-wide population, pairwise regional F(ST) values indicated weak to moderate population sub-division (0.01-0.12), but no clear correlation between spatial and genetic distance was evident. Data presented in this study highlight extensive genetic diversity for O. marina; however, it remains a substantial challenge to uncover the mechanisms that drive genetic diversity in free-living microorganisms.     

青鱼微卫星标记的开发与特性分析

青鱼(Mylopharyngodon piceus)是中国最为重要的淡水养殖鱼类。开发青鱼的微卫星标记能为青鱼的遗传多样性分析提供更多工具。本研究使用磁珠富集法,利用生物素探针(CA)10和(GACA)6,富集得到青鱼基因组微卫星片段,进一步通过设计微卫星引物检验其在青鱼原种群体中的有效性和多态性水平。结果显示,所构建文库中849个克隆含有微卫星序列,通过利用PCR技术在吴江原种青鱼36个个体中进行多态性筛选,获得了25个多态性微卫星位点。其平均等位基因数(Na)和有效等位基因数(Ne)分别为7.08和3.526,平均观测杂合度(Ho)和期望杂合度(He)分别为0.602和0.619,平均多态信息含量(PIC)为0.568。其中,Mp23、Mp27和Mp35这3个位点极显著偏离哈迪-温伯格平衡(P 0.01)。本研究开发的微卫星标记能为青鱼种质资源的评价和保护等研究提供工具。     

应用微卫星DNA标记对Wistar和SD大鼠封闭群的遗传学研究

封闭群大鼠的遗传质量对其医学生物学实验结果有重要影响,但目前缺乏遗传检测方法和标准.本研究应用6个微卫星标记及其荧光标记一半自动基因分型技术,对北京和上海2家单位分别提供的Wistar和Spague-Darley(SD)大鼠封闭群进行了遗传检测和评估.6个微卫星位点均具有高度多态性,在两大鼠群体共发现等位基因36个,每位点等位基因数5-8个,其多态信息含量(PIC)从0.5892(D11Mgh3)到0.8019(D6Mit1),平均为0.688l.6个位点在Wistar和SD大鼠分别发现25和26个等位基因,其平均期望杂合度分别为O.6260和0.6249.两群体的各组遗传多样性指数间无显著差异.群体间的不同微卫星位点Fst范围0.046l到0.4363.平均为0.2069,表明其遗传分化程度较大;Nei(1972)遗传距离和Nei(1978)无偏遗传距离分别为1.2862和1.2726,表明了2群体之间较大的遗传差异:Hardy-Weinberg平衡检验表明Wistar大鼠在所有检测的6个位点均非常显著偏离Haraly-WeinJaerg平衡,SD大鼠在2个位点(D6Mit1和D11Mgh3)处于遗传平衡状态,且偏离位点均表现为杂合子缺陷.因此研究表明,Wistar和SD大鼠封闭群均具有较好的遗传多样性,且两群体之间有较大的遗传差异和分化程度,分别具有各自不同的遗传特征,偏离Hardy-Weinberg遗传平衡是其繁育过程中较多存在的问题.本研究结果将为两品系大鼠遗传检测方法和标准的建立提供基础资料和依据.     

Characterization of a major histocompatibility class II A gene (Clha-DAA) with an embedded microsatellite marker in Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.)

An Atlantic herring major histocompatibility class II A ( Clha-DAA ) cDNA sequence has been characterized and was shown to encode a leader peptide, alpha-1 domain, alpha-2 domain, connecting peptide, transmembrane and cytoplasmic region. The Clha-DAA protein sequence has all the characteristics of a teleost class II A protein with conserved cysteines in both the alpha-1 and the alpha-2 domains and two potential N-linked glycosylation sites. Exon 2 sequences encoding the polymorphic alpha-1 domain from different individuals were analysed and revealed the presence of at least two loci. The Clha-DAA gene consists of four exons and three short introns. Four unique intron 3 sequences from multiple individuals were obtained and were shown to contain a (TG)_n microsatellite sequence. Primers were optimized such that only a single microsatellite locus designated Clha-DAA-INTR3 was amplified. Four herring populations from the North Sea and the Baltic Sea were genotyped for Clha-DAA-INTR3 . In total, 16 Clha-DAA-INTR3 alleles were detected; the distribution of the alleles showed no deviation from Hardy–Weinberg expectation. Levels of genetic differentiation among samples were of similar magnitude as have been reported earlier for neutral microsatellite loci between northern North Sea and Baltic Sea herring populations.     

Inter and intra subpopulation genetic variability of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) assessed by I and II class genetic markers

The material was collected in three regions of Poland and consisted of 105 randomly chosen individuals killed during hunts (49 males, 56 females), out of which 51 were from Wielkopolska, 22 from Podkarpacie and 32 from Warmia. From each animal a blood sample was taken from the chest, stored in a probe with K2EDTA and frozen. The serum was used to establish the genotype for transferin and albumin whereas the samples with erythrocytes provided information on hemoglobin genotype. DNA was isolated from samples from each individual. Characteristics of eight (from among twelve studied) microsatellite loci and genetic distances were estimated by the use of standard computer package programs. Generally, monomorphism in blood proteins was registered. For the microsatellite loci the number of alleles ranged from 3 in the RT27-6-Fa locus (effectively two as the third allele was present only in two subpopulations with a very low frequency) to 10 in RT1-VI. Five loci showed heterozygosity of 0.5 or above which suggests their usefulness in parentage control. Considerable genetic distances (corresponding to geographical mileages) between the subpopulations were observed based on microsatellite markers.     

Differential patterns of spatial divergence in microsatellite and allozyme alleles: further evidence for locus‐specific selection in the acorn barnacle,Semibalanus balanoides?

We compared patterns of genetic structure at potentially selected (two allozyme loci) and neutral molecular markers (six microsatellite loci) in the acorn barnacle, Semibalanus balanoides from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Our results confirmed the presence of a geographical shift in alleles MPI and GPI near the Miramichi River. In contrast, no significant patterns of population differentiation among samples located north and south of the river mouth were detected for four of six microsatellite loci. However, analysis of molecular variance (amova) at individual loci revealed that a significant proportion of the total variance in allele frequencies was partitioned among samples located north and south of the river for both the allozyme and the other two microsatellite loci. The two most common alleles at these microsatellites showed frequencies that were highly correlated (r = 0.65-0.74, P < 0.05) with those of the MPI*2 allele, perhaps because of either physical linkage or epistasis. The two allozyme loci were significantly correlated in barnacles located north of the Miramichi River (r = 0.86, P < 0.05). Overall, our results supported the hypothesis that the broad scale pattern of allozyme allelic shifts is maintained by selection. They also indicated that microsatellites may not always behave in a neutral way and must be used cautiously, especially when evidence for genetic structuring relies on only a few assayed loci.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites in Cocos nucifera L.

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were isolated from coconut (Cocos nucifera) and tested for polymorphism on restricted germplasm. Sequencing of 197 clones from a cv. Tagnanan Tall-enriched genomic library showed that 75% contained a microsatellite, of which 64% were dinucleotide (GA/CT, CA/GT and GC/CG), 6% were trinucleotide, and 30% were compound repeats. Of 41 primer pairs tested on Tagnanan Tall genomic DNA, 38 gave the expected size product, two amplified two loci, and another gave a multilocus pattern. On 20 coconut samples, the 38 SSRs detected 198 alleles (average: 5.2 alleles per microsatellite). Genetic diversity (D = 1 - sigma pi2) values ranged from 0.141 to 0.809. Heterozygotes were present at high frequencies among some dwarf samples. Analysis of similarity matrices based either on shared alleles at each locus (simple matching coefficient) or on allele bands across all loci (Jaccard coefficient) showed similar results. Dwarfs grouped separately from talls and showed less genetic diversity. In a wider test on 40 samples, 8 SSRs detected 64 alleles (average: eight alleles per microsatellite). These results indicate the high potential of microsatellites to detect genetic diversity in coconut germplasm.     

广西本地鲢和长丰鲢群体遗传多样性分析

本研究采用32个微卫星标记分析广西本地鲢和长丰鲢两个群体的遗传差异,计算并统计其微卫星遗传参数。结果显示:32个微卫星标记广西本地鲢鱼和长丰鲢群体共检测到等位基因119个,其中两群体所共有为88个;平均观测等位基因数为2.937 5和3.406 2;平均有效等位基因数为1.787 3和2.074 7;多态信息含量(PIC)在0～0.727 1和0～0.748 4之间,平均值为0.293 6和0.360 0,表明两个群体的遗传多样性均不高。两群体平均观测杂合度为0.373 9和0.559 7,平均期望杂合度为0.327 1和0.413 3,均表现为本地鲢群体低于长丰鲢群体,说明两个群体的均不高,并且广西本地鲢群体的遗传多样性低于长丰鲢群体;两个鲢鱼群体间的遗传距离和遗传相似系数分别为0.297 7和0.742 5,表明两个鲢鱼群体间的遗传差异不大。两个群体的遗传分化系数(Fst)在不同微卫星位点间差异明显,平均0.171 7。本研究为广西地方鱼类种质资源保护和利用提供了理论依据。     

长江中上游两个鲢群体遗传变异的微卫星分析

对长江中上游2个鲢群体使用39个微卫星标记进行了遗传多样性分析, 计算并统计了平均观测等位基因数、平均有效等位基因数、多态信息含量、遗传杂合度、Hardy-Weinberg平衡偏离指数、遗传相似系数、遗传距离等遗传参数。结果表明: 万州鲢和监利鲢群体所检测微卫星位点的平均观测等位基因数分别为6.128和4.974; 平均有效等位基因数分别为4.107和3.395; 多态位点百分率分别为100和94.87; 39个微卫星标记共有等位基因259个, 173个等位基因为两群体所共有; 多态微卫星位点的PIC在0.077~0.865之间变动,平均为0.617; 两群体所检测位点平均观测杂合度为0.834和0.775, 平均期望杂合度为0.713和0.623; 两个群体间的遗传相似系数为0.618, 群体间的遗传距离为0.482。结果显示长江中上游两个鲢群体间存在显著遗传分化, 应隶属于不同的种群。     

Genetic crosses in the apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum define recombination parameters

Recombinant progeny lines of Cryptosporidium parvum were generated by coinfecting immunosuppressed mice with two genetically distinct isolates of C. parvum. Progeny lines were obtained from a cross of parental lines MD x TU114 through targeted propagation in mice of progeny oocysts originating from populations lacking one parental allele at one or more loci. For each infection lineage this process was repeated until only a single allele remained for each marker, indicating that the progeny line was clonal. To study genetic recombination, 16 progeny clones were genotyped at 40 loci located on each of the eight chromosomes. The inheritance of parental alleles was significantly skewed towards the more virulent parent isolate MD. A contiguous 476 kb segment of chromosome V displayed MD allele in all progeny recovered, while MD and TU114 alleles were detected at other loci throughout the genome. The absence of alleles from one parental isolate in this chromosomal region may indicate phenotypic selection for the MD allele during the generation of these lines. A range for the meiotic crossover frequency was determined on the basis of 40 markers and the number of meioses estimated to have taken place during the crossing experiment. C. parvum exhibits a high rate of recombination commensurate with other Apicomplexa.     

Development of 81 new polymorphic EST-derived microsatellite markers for the olive flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

Expressed sequence tags (ESTs) can be used to identify microsatellite markers. We developed 81 polymorphic microsatellite markers from 4,940 ESTs of the olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. Out of 100 EST-derived microsatellites for which PCR primers were designed, 81 loci were polymorphic in 30 individuals from a single natural population with 2–28 (mean 10.6) alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities of these loci were 0.033–1.000 and 0.033–0.965, respectively. Segregation analysis within a mapping family revealed non-amplifying null alleles at five loci. These new EST-derived microsatellite markers should be useful for population genetic analyses, pedigree tracing and constructing a linkage map for olive flounder.