Species‐specific microsatellite loci for the European squid (Loligo vulgaris)

A microsatellite dinucleotide‐enriched library was obtained from the European squid (Loligo vulgaris) and five species‐specific dinucleotide markers were optimized. These markers are highly polymorphic with average expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.706 to 0.927 and allele number ranging from 7 to 17. This set of primers is suitable for population genetic studies.     

Microsatellite markers for the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera

We report the isolation and characterization of 16 microsatellite loci to study the population genetics of the giant kelp, Macrocystis pyrifera. Markers were obtained by screening a genomic library enriched for microsatellite motifs. Of the 37 primer pairs defined, 16 amplified clean polymorphic microsatellites and are described. These loci identified a number of alleles ranging from three to forty (mean = 16.5, and gene diversity ranging from 0.469 to 0.930 (mean = 0.774). The isolation and characterization of these highly polymorphic markers will greatly benefit much needed studies on the molecular ecology of this important macroalga.     

Novel tetranucleotide microsatellite markers from the Del Norte salamander (Plethodon elongatus) with application to its sister species the Siskiyou Mountain salamander (P. stormi)

Eleven tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were developed for the Del Norte salamander (Plethodon elongatus). The loci were variably polymorphic, ranging from two to 20 alleles per locus, with expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.07 to 0.86. The loci also amplified in a congener, the Siskiyou Mountain salamander (P. stormi). The microsatellite loci will be used to assess the utility of highly polymorphic markers to assay within‐ and between‐species differentiation between these two closely related species.     

Eight new polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for Sakhalin taimen Parahucho perryi

We developed eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the endangered salmonid Parahucho perryi from genomic libraries enriched for (GACA)n and (GATA)n repeat sequences. Emphasis was placed on developing highly polymorphic, perfect repeats that could be scored with confidence. Six tetra- and two di-nucleotide loci were screened in 49 individuals from two populations on Sakhalin Island, Russia. Allelic variation was high with eight to 23 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.93. These highly variable markers should prove useful in evaluating inbreeding, gene flow and population structure in Sakhalin taimen throughout its range.     

Isolation and characterization of eleven microsatellite loci in small abalone, Haliotis diversicolor Reeve

Eleven novel microsatellite markers were isolated from small abalone, Haliotis diversicolor Reeve. These loci were tested on 22 individuals from two different geographic populations. We identified a total of 162 alleles from the 11 microsatellite loci. All of the loci were highly polymorphic. Polymorphism information content (PIC) is ranging from 0.7276 to 0.9163. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.2727 to 1.0000 and from 0.7738 to 0.9429, respectively. Three loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No pairs of loci displayed linkage disequilibrium. These polymorphic markers will be used to analyze population structure, genetic diversity and construct a genetic linkage map. Xin Zhan and Hai-Yan Hu contribute equally to this study.     

Development of microsatellite markers in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) using a dual‐supression‐PCR technique

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is an economically and ecologically important tree species in the world. We isolated seven polymorphic microsatellite loci from R. pseudoacacia using a dual‐suppression‐PCR technique. These loci provided microsatellite markers with high polymorphism ranging from three to 12 alleles per locus and expected heterozygosity between 0.538 and 0.944. The markers are now available for more detailed investigation of population genetic structure and pollen and seed dispersal.     

Development of microsatellite markers in the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (Dinophyceae)

Outbreaks of paralytic shellfish poisoning caused by the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (Dinophyceae) are currently a serious problem from an economic and food hygiene point of view throughout the world. We isolated 13 polymorphic microsatellite loci from this species. These loci provided microsatellite markers with high polymorphism ranging from four to 15 alleles per locus and gene diversity between 0.632 and 0.974. The markers are available for more detailed investigations of genetic structure and gene flow of A. tamarense populations.     

Polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellites for the Mediterranean angler species (Lophiidae)

A microsatellite‐enriched genomic library was obtained from black‐bellied angler Lophius budegassa and six polymorphic dinucleotide markers were successfully optimized. These markers showed levels of polymorphism ranging from 0.363 to 0.662 and allele numbers ranging from three to seven. These markers were also found to successfully amplify in the closely related Lophius piscatorius (angler) and thus appear to be useful for genetic stock structure analysis in both species.     

Characterization of highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellite loci in Juniperus communis L.

We developed five nuclear microsatellite markers in Juniperus communis L. using an enriched library method. Samples from 28 juniper individuals were collected in Spain, Germany and Slovakia and were analysed at the five loci. A high level of allelic diversity with values ranging from nine to 23 alleles was found. These highly polymorphic markers will be used in ongoing population genetic studies to evaluate the genetic resources and to contribute to the maintenance of genetic diversity of juniper in Middle Europe.     

Microsatellite markers for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans cinerea</Emphasis> L. and their utility in other Juglandaceae species

Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers were found to amplify in butternut (Juglans cinerea; Juglandaceae). These microsatellite loci were found to amplify across most of nine other species and five hybrids examined. Loci were highly polymorphic, with 18 to 32 alleles per locus across species. These nuclear microsatellite markers will be useful in examining genetic diversity within and among populations of butternut, and in distinguishing butternut from interspecific hybrids.     

Isolation of polymorphic DNA microsatellites in the common sole Solea vulgaris

A microsatellite‐enriched genomic library was obtained from the common sole, Solea vulgaris, and seven polymorphic dinucleotide markers were successfully optimized. These markers showed levels of expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.55 to 0.83 and allele number ranging from eight to 12. Three of these markers were also found to successfully amplify in the closely related Solea senegalensis and can be employed to define population genetic structure of the two Solea species and for inferring stock origins.     

The use of microsatellite markers for detection of genetic diversity in barley populations

 A barley lambda-phage library was screened with (GA)n and (GT)n probes for developing microsatellite markers. The number of repeats ranged from 2 to 58 for GA and from 2 to 24 for GT. Fifteen selected microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic for barley. These microsatellite markers were used to estimate the genetic diversity among 163 barley genotypes chosen from the collection of the IPK Genebank, Germany. A total of 130 alleles were detected by 15 barley microsatellite markers. The number of alleles per microsatellite marker varied from 5 to 15. On average 8.6 alleles per locus were observed. Except for GMS004 all other barley microsatellite markers showed on average a high value of gene diversity ranging from 0.64 to 0.88. The mean value of gene diversity in the wild forms and landraces was 0.74, and even among the cultivars the gene diversity ranged from 0.30 to 0.86 with a mean of 0.72. No significant differences in polymorphism were detected by the GA and GT microsatellite markers. The estimated genetic distances revealed by the microsatellite markers were, on average , 0.75 for the wild forms, 0.72 for landraces and 0.70 among cultivars. The microsatellite markers were able to distinguish between different barley genotypes. The high degree of polymorphisms of microsatellite markers allows a rapid and efficient identification of barley genotypes. Received: 26 November 1997 / Accepted: 19 January 1998     

Novel polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis>

Seven single locus microsatellite markers were characterized in Malaysian giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii from an enriched genomic library Primer pairs were designed to flank the repeat sequences and the loci characterized for this species. The bands resulting from the PCR amplifications of these eight microsatellite loci were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from 8 to 26 alleles per locus, whereas the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0641 to 0.6564. These newly developed microsatellite markers should prove to be useful for population studies and in the management of genetic variations in broodstocks of freshwater prawn, M. rosenbergii.     

Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the brown anole (Anolis sagrei)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite markers have been developed for the brown anole, Anolis sagrei. The number of alleles range from five to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.46 to 0.92. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and reproductive behaviour.     

Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the bay pipefish Syngnathus leptorhynchus

We have isolated nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for the bay pipefish Syngnathus leptorhynchus from genomic libraries enriched for (AAGG)_n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from two to 15 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.09 to 1.00. These markers will be useful for analyses of questions concerning population genetic structure.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in pangolins (Mammalia,Pholidota, Manis spp.)

Thirty‐four polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite loci were developed in the Malayan pangolin Manis javanica. Of the 34 markers, 32 and 18 were also amplified, respectively, in the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the African tree pangolin (Manis tricuspis). Analysis of 24 Malayan, 12 Chinese and 2 African tree pangolins showed high levels of variability (heterozygosity ranging from 0.321 to 0.708). These are the first available microsatellite markers in Pholidota and will be an invaluable tool for evolutionary and conservation genetic studies in pangolins.     

Isolation of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the masked flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea

We have isolated 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers for the masked flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea from a genomic library enriched for (AAGG)_n repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranged from eight to 16 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.64 to 1.00. These markers will be useful for analysis of questions concerning population genetic structure and models of speciation.     

Development and characterization of eight new microsatellite markers for the haremic sandperch,Parapercis cylindrica (family Pinguipedidae)

Eight di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite markers were developed for the haremic sandperch Parapercis cylindrica using a linker‐ligated, magnetic bead enrichment protocol. Screening of at least 17 individuals showed these markers to be polymorphic with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.381 to 1.000 (mean = 0.742) and the numbers of alleles ranging from three to 18. The average polymorphic information content for these eight loci was 0.723. These markers may be used for parentage studies aimed at exploring the complex mating strategies employed by this haremic coral reef fish and will be valuable for population genetic studies.     

Isolation and characterization of sequence‐tagged microsatellite sites markers in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

In this study we report the isolation of microsatellite sequences and their conversion to sequence‐tagged microsatellite sites (STMS) markers in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Thirteen putative recombinants isolated from a chickpea genomic library were sequenced, and used to design 10 STMS primer pairs. These were utilized to analyse the genetic polymorphism in 15 C. arietinum varieties and two wild varieties, C. echinospermum and C. reticulatum. All the primer pairs amplified polymorphic loci ranging from four to seven alleles per locus. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0 to 0.6667. Most of the STMS markers also amplified corresponding loci in the wild relatives suggesting conservation of these markers in the genus. Hence, these polymorphic markers will be useful for the evaluation of genetic diversity and molecular mapping in chickpea.     

Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum

We describe the development and characterization of microsatellite loci from the human oomycete pathogen Pythium insidiosum. Nine of 15 microsatellite loci were shown to be appropriate for population genetic study. All loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.241 to 0.912 and from five to 18 alleles per locus among 65 individuals in Thailand. These markers are being used to ascertain multilocus genotypes for molecular epidemiological and population genetic analyses of this little known human pathogen.