Development and characterization of seven novel di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius)

We describe the enrichment for and characterization of seven Pleurogrammus monopterygius microsatellite loci. We used (GACA)₄ as an oligonucleotide enrichment probe and screened 484 clones from the enriched library. The seven microsatellite loci include five tetranucleotide, one dinucleotide, and one trinucleotide motif. These markers can potentially be useful tools for use in population genetics studies, parentage analyses, and examining other life history questions.     

Isolation and characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in a mouth‐brooding haplochromine cichlid fish (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae) from Uganda

Eight tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the haplochromine cichlid fish, Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriae, an important model species for studies in respiratory ecology, conservation, and evolution. We surveyed variation at these loci in 23 individuals from western Uganda, finding four to 19 alleles per locus and an average expected heterozygosity of 0.8575. These microsatellite loci will be used to examine gene flow and population structure in Ugandan P. m. victoriae.     

Extremely variable di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in Brazilian free‐tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis)

We present three dinucleotide and six tetranucleotide microsatellite loci that were developed for the Brazilian free‐tailed bat, Tadarida brasiliensis (Chiroptera, Molossidae). Ninety‐one individuals from two populations were scored at each locus, revealing extremely high levels of polymorphism (15–55 alleles per locus). These loci provide genetic markers for studying gene flow, migration and mating behaviour.     

Isolation of highly polymorphic autosomal microsatellite loci and a sex‐linked locus from sugarbirds

We describe the isolation of six tetranucleotide microsatellites from the Cape sugarbird (Promerops cafer) using an enrichment protocol. All loci were highly variable with number of alleles ranging from nine to 26 and values of observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.534 to 0.931. All loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with the exception of Pro66 and Pro86. Further analysis of Pro86 indicated it was Z‐linked. All loci amplified and were variable in the congeneric Gurneys sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi). These loci will be used in mating system and phylogeographic studies of Cape sugarbirds in South Africa.     

Isolation and characterization of di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the yellow‐spotted night lizard Lepidophyma flavimaculatum (Squamata: Xantusiidae)

We report the development of 17 di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in the Yellow‐Spotted Night Lizard Lepidophyma flavimaculatum. Levels of heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 100%. Several loci also amplify in other Lepidophyma species and several species of the sister genus Xantusia. High levels of variation at some loci indicate that they will be useful for parentage assessment and population genetic studies, whereas the 15 loci that amplify across multiple Lepidophyma species suggest these will be useful in determining the origin of parthenogenetic populations.     

Characterization of 20 highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and cross‐amplification in other Salvelinus species

We describe the isolation and development of 20 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). In a sample of 76 fish, we observed between four and 23 alleles per locus. These loci show greater levels of genetic diversity than other loci previously examined in bull trout. Seventeen of these loci were also polymorphic in at least one of the following species: Salvelinus alpinus, Salvelinus malma, Salvelinus namaycush and Salvelinus fontinalis. These loci will aid in our understanding of the molecular ecology of bull trout and other char.     

Characterization,multiplex conditions,and cross‐species utility of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi)

We have isolated and characterized 17 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Blanchard's cricket frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi), an anuran common in the central USA. Sixteen loci were organized into four multiplex amplification reactions. These loci were highly polymorphic when screened in 55 individuals from two distant populations, with 11–48 alleles per locus (average = 24.8). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.18 to 0.97 and from 0.17 to 0.96, respectively. Nine loci were also polymorphic in Acris crepitans crepitans, with seven polymorphic in Acris gryllus. Five loci amplified in all three taxa. These loci will be useful for population‐ and species‐level investigations of this widespread group.     

Isolation of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) and their cross‐utility in related species

We isolated one trinucleotide and seven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola). We describe polymerase chain reaction conditions and primers for the successful amplification of these loci and report the results obtained from their use in 42 specimens from two populations in Europe. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 15, observed heterozygosity was comprised between 0.11 and 1.00 and expected heterozygosity ranged between 0.10 and 0.91. Cross‐specific amplification experiments highlighted the potential usefulness of these molecular markers for the study of three related scolopacid waders.     

Nine new tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina)

We describe nine new polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci isolated from the fire‐bellied toad (Bombina bombina). The relative yield of new loci was higher than described in previous studies in amphibians: out of 12 loci initially evaluated, nine were polymorphic and amplifying reliably. Number of alleles ranged from four to 10 and observed heterozygosities from 0.47 to 0.91. Seven loci were polymorphic also in Bombina variegata and five in Bombina orientalis. Enrichment protocols yielding long flanking regions potentially overcome difficulties (i.e, low yield of reliable loci relative to number of clones screened) which have been reported in microsatellite development in anurans.     

Highly polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the eastern Canary Island lizard,Gallotia atlantica

We describe 10 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the eastern Canary Island lacertid lizard, Gallotia atlantica. Loci were isolated from a partial genomic library that had been enriched for AAAG repeat sequence. All loci were highly polymorphic (eight alleles or more) with observed heterozygosities from 0.75 to 1.00. At least four loci were successfully amplified and polymorphic in the Gran Canarian lacertid, Gallotia stehlini. These loci will be used to examine correlations between patterns of gene flow and recent volcanism on the island of Lanzarote.     

Isolation and characterisation of 11 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the common genet (Genetta genetta)

We report the isolation and characterization of 11 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the common genet (Genetta genetta) from genomic libraries enriched for (AAAG) _n and (AGAT) _n repeat sequences. We chose to develop tetranucleotide repeats because they can be scored less ambiguously. In a sample of 25 individuals, we observed between four and thirteen alleles per locus and their observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.60 to 0.84 and from 0.68 to 0.92, respectively. All genotypic frequencies conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations and there were no instances of linkage disequilibrium detected between pairs of loci. These loci will be of use in studies of population genetics, historical demography, and molecular ecology of the common genet.     

Development of 21 microsatellite loci for puma (Puma concolor) ecology and forensics

We developed 21 microsatellite (13 dinucleotide and 8 tetranucleotide) primers specifically for pumas (Puma concolor). The primers were tested across 243 individuals from California and Nevada, and displayed an average of 5.5 alleles per locus. Previously, domestic cat (Felis catus) primers have been adapted for puma genetic studies. Puma‐specific loci may reduce concerns associated with ascertainment bias, improve genetic structure resolution and provide additional tetranucleotide loci valuable for forensic applications. These puma‐specific microsatellites will aid studies involving parentage, kinship and population structure, along with forensic case applications including poaching and puma‐associated injuries to humans and domestic animals.     

Development and characterization of six new microsatellite markers for the silver‐ or gold‐lipped pearl oyster,Pinctada maxima (Pteriidae)

Six di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were developed for the silver‐ or gold‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima using a linker‐ligated, magnetic bead enrichment protocol. Based on a minimum of 134 Indonesian pearl oyster samples, number of alleles and observed heterozygosity at each locus ranged from six to 17 alleles and from 0.172 to 0.813 (mean = 0.448), respectively. Mean polymorphic information content for the six loci was 0.562. These loci should be very useful in DNA parentage analyses and population differentiation of P. maxima in Australia and Indonesia.     

Isolation,characterization and multiplex genotyping of raccoon tetranucleotide microsatellite loci

We have isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the raccoon (Procyon lotor). Three multiplex panels comprising the 12 loci were developed and 80 individuals from southeastern and western Ontario were genotyped; allele sizes were assigned without difficulty. One locus isolated was identified as an X‐linked marker. The number of alleles per locus ranged from six to 25 with the average heterozygosity ranging from 0.674 to 0.925. These loci will be used to characterize raccoon population structure across North America, and the data used to further understand the spread of raccoon rabies.     

Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellites for Rio Grande cutthroat trout and rainbow trout,and their cross‐amplification in other cutthroat trout subspecies

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 tetranucleotide microsatellites for Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), and subsequently investigate their performance in Colorado River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus), greenback cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii stomias) and Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki bouvieri). All 12 loci are polymorphic in all subspecies of O. clarkii examined.     

Characterization of 16 highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri) and cross amplification in Umpqua chub (O. kalawatseti)

We describe the isolation and development of 16 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the endangered Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri). Two loci appear to be duplicated. For the remaining 14 loci, we observed between three and 19 alleles per locus in a sample of 42 fish. Thirteen of these loci were also polymorphic in the closely related Umpqua chub (O. kalawatseti). These loci will aid in our understanding of the molecular ecology and conservation of these two species.     

Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci for the short‐beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and cross‐amplification in other cetacean species

Seven tetranucleotide and three dinucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated from the short‐beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). Number of alleles and observed heterozygosity ranged from three to twelve (mean 8.4) and from 0.087 to 0.978 (mean 0.741), respectively. All loci were tested in four other odontocete species and showed polymorphisms in most locus–species combinations. This panel of nuclear markers will be useful for the investigation of population ecology and social interactions in common dolphins and other cetacean species.     

Characterization of di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers with perfect repeats for Trypanosoma brucei and related species

Trypanosoma brucei, a unicellular parasite causing human sleeping sickness and animal nagana, has a great impact on the socioeconomic environment of sub‐Saharan Africa. The dynamics of the parasite are still poorly understood. We have characterized 14 polymorphic di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci with perfect repeats (only one motif) exhibiting between five and 16 alleles in T. brucei isolates from all over Africa and from all described subspecies. The microsatellites will be useful in addressing population genetic questions in T. brucei to better understand the population structure and spread of this important parasite.     

Sixteen new polymorphic microsatellite markers isolated for red‐legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and related species

We developed and tested 16 new polymorphic microsatellite markers for the red‐legged partridge (Alectoris rufa): four dinucleotide, two trinucleotide, eight tetranucleotide and two pentanucleotide repeat loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 21, observed heterozygosity was from 0.03 to 1.00 and expected heterozygosity was comprised between 0.18 and 0.91. Cross‐specific amplification in others members of the Phasianidae family highlighted the potential usefulness of these molecular markers for the study of related species.     

Characterization of microsatellite markers for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii) and cross‐amplification in other species of the family Scaphiopodidae

I developed 12 di‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Couch's spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus couchii). These loci have 3–37 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.157 to 0.941 among 85 individuals from four populations. Global and within‐population exact tests do not reveal departure from Hardy–Weinberg expectations and all loci pairs are in linkage equilibrium. These independent markers will be useful for studies of population structure and kinship in this commonly studied amphibian. Additionally, several of these loci may be applicable for studies of other North American toads of the family Scaphiopodidae.