Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus)

I isolated the first set of polymorphic microsatellite markers from the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, a well‐studied North American bird species, as part of an effort to compare levels of genetic diversity in introduced and native populations. Here, I describe eight independently assorting microsatellite loci screened for polymorphism using 40 house finches. Polymorphism levels ranged from six to 14 alleles (mean = 10.6), making these markers a powerful tool for paternity and population level analyses of this widely distributed North American species.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci for white hake (Urophycis tenuis)

Eight tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were characterized for white hake, Urophycis tenuis, a commercially exploited demersal gadoid fish distributed in the Northwest Atlantic. The eight loci are polymorphic with number of alleles and observed heterozygosities ranging from seven to 40 and from 0.544 to 0.978, respectively, in samples of between 39 and 47 individuals collected from throughout the species range. These loci were developed for population genetic studies.     

Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rainforest canopy tree,Syzygium sayeri (Myrtaceae)

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the rainforest canopy tree, Syzygium sayeri, in order to study parentage and subsequently pollen dispersal among individuals in wild populations. Screening of one natural population (n = 64) mapped in a 500 × 500 m area at Cape Tribulation, north Queensland, Australia, yielded two to 11 alleles per locus with observed levels of heterozygosity ranging from 0.07 to 0.70. One locus was significantly out of Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction for multiple tests. These loci should provide a useful tool in further understanding the dispersal patterns of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Asparagus acutifolius (Liliaceae)

The isolation of molecular markers in Asparagus acutifolius, a wild edible plant species, is important to characterize local ecotypes that could be cultivated and preserved. We isolated and characterized polymorphic microsatellite loci from A. acutifolius by constructing and screening an enriched DNA library. Primer pairs were designed for 12 loci. Seven primer pairs worked well during amplification reactions and were tested on a wild population from Pontecagnano (SA), Italy. These loci showed a high level of genetic variability, with the numbers of alleles identified ranging from two to five and observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.20 to 0.73.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci for the Neotropical freshwater catfish Pimelodella chagresi (Teleostei: Pimelodidae)

We report eight (CA)_10?35 unlinked microsatellite loci from the Neotropical freshwater catfish, Pimelodella chagresi (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae). These loci were characterized with 23 individuals collected in Panama. Number of alleles per locus varied from 7 to 23 (mean = 12.9) and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.522 to 0.909 (mean = 0.732). These loci will be used to investigate the existence of cryptic species within the P. chagresi clade, and to study fine‐scale population structure.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Weigela coraeensis (Caprifoliaceae)

Weigela coraeensis var. coraeensis is a deciduous shrub species distributed in Japan on the mainland, Honshu, whereas its variety W. coraeensis var. fragrans is endemic to the Izu Islands located south of Honshu. We isolated eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from the species and characterized these loci for 20 individuals from a population in Honshu. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 15 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.60 to 0.90 and from 0.65 to 0.90, respectively. These eight polymorphic microsatellites will be useful for examining intraspecific genetic differentiation in W. coraeensis.     

Development and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci from Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae)

We have developed a set of eight polymorphic nuclear microsatellite markers for the Mediterranean shrub Pistacia lentiscus by means of an enriched library method. Characterization for the eight loci was carried out on 42 individuals from two populations sampled in southern Spain. The overall number of alleles detected was 59, ranging from three to 13 per locus. Expected heterozygosity per locus and population ranged from 0.139 to 0.895. Two loci albeit only in one population (Seville) departed significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectations and no linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was detected. These markers will be used in studies of gene flow across a fragmented landscape.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes)

Twelve microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) using enriched genomic libraries. Polymorphic loci revealed two to eight alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.21 to 0.77. These loci will be suitable for assessing current and historical patterns of genetic variability in yellow-eyed penguins.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from Phaedranassa tunguraguae (Amaryllidaceae)

Phaedranassa tunguraguae is an endangered species endemic to Ecuador. Eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched genomic library for this species. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated using a total of 31 individuals from a single natural population. An average of 14.1 alleles per locus was detected, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.387 to 0.903. All but one locus depart significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These loci are the first microsatellite primers isolated for Amaryllidaceae and will be utilized to investigate patterns of genetic variation of P. tunguraguae, which will contribute data relevant to the conservation of the species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Schizolobium parahyba (Leguminosae)

Primer sequences for 16 microsatellite loci were developed from Schizolobium parahyba, a tropical tree species. Twelve loci were found to be polymorphic after screening diversity in individuals from Belize. A total of 39 alleles were found at nine loci. The markers are invaluable tools for studying the population genetics and mating system of the species.     

Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from silver‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima

We have developed di‐ and tetra‐nucleotide microsatellite markers for the silver‐lipped pearl oyster Pinctada maxima. Screening of approximately 50 000 clones resulted in the identification of 74 microsatellites. Fluorescent PCR was optimized for eight polymorphic loci. In a sample of 1637 individuals, these eight loci possessed between 14 and 68 alleles (average 29.8), with observed and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.479 to 0.891 and 0.872 to 0.972, respectively.     

Isolation and characterization of eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci from two closely related clupeid species (Alosa alosa and A. fallax)

Eight dinucleotide microsatellite loci were developed through an enrichment protocol for allis shad (Alosa alosa) and twaite shad (A. fallax). Cross‐species amplification was successful for all loci isolated. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to nine for A. alosa and from two to seven for A. fallax, while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.267 to 0.926 and from 0.240 to 0.727, respectively. These markers will constitute useful tools for studies of population structure and gene flow between two closely related hybridizing species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the coppertail skink (Ctenotus taeniolatus)

We report on the isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite markers for the coppertail skink (Ctenotus taeniolatus). From a sample of 27 individuals, the number of alleles per locus ranged from seven to 13 and observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.714 to 0.818 and from 0.738 to 0.899, respectively. These loci will be used to assess anthropogenic disturbance on coppertail skink populations. These are the first microsatellites reported for the genus Ctenotus, despite being the most speciose genus of lizards in Australia.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from yellowtail Seriola dumerilii (Perciformes: Carangidae)

The Mediterranean yellowtail Seriola dumerilii (Risso, 1810) is a semi‐pelagic fish economically important to fisheries and aquaculture. We developed nine microsatellite primer pairs for this species. Microsatellites were isolated from a partial genomic library enriched for an AC motif. The developed loci proved to be polymorphic showing three to 11 alleles per locus. They can be employed for population studies as well as for parentage assessment. Cross‐species amplification was successfully tested in Seriola fasciata and Seriola rivoliana.     

Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci in the endangered Hawaiian tree snail, Achatinella sowerbyana

Achatinella is a genus of highly endangered native Hawaiian tree snails. Eight polymorphic microsatellite markers were isolated for one species, Achatinella sowerbyana, to be used in assessing remaining genetic diversity and gene flow in the often small and isolated populations. All loci amplified consistently in every individual tested. The number of alleles per locus in a sample of 40 individuals varied from three to 13, and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.308 to 0.846. These markers will be used to assist in the development of conservation and management plans.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from chub Leuciscus cephalus (Pisces: Cyprinidae)

Twelve microsatellite markers were isolated from chub Leuciscus cephalus Linné, 1766 (Cyprinidae), a freshwater fish widely distributed in Europe. We assessed the level of genetic diversity for these loci in 24 individuals sampled in the Rhone river watershed. Nine loci were polymorphic, displaying from two to 13 alleles per locus with expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.160 to 0.887. Simultaneous migration of different polymerase chain reaction products was developed for routine analysis of L. cephalus populations.     

Isolation and characterization of 20 microsatellite marker loci from the Indri (Indri indri) genome

Twenty novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the Indri, Indri indri, genome. Along with sequence data, this marker suite will be used in future studies to establish population structure throughout its range and to verify the proposed subspecific nomenclature. Gene diversity (0.760 and 0.783) and allelic richness (5.8 and 6.43) were estimated in the Betampona and Andasibe populations, respectively.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci for storm-petrels

Primers were developed for 10 microsatellite loci for two species of Oceanodroma storm-petrels. Variability was tested in 27 O. castro and 22 O. monteiroi from the Azores, and 24 O. leucorhoa from Norway. At least six loci amplified reliably and were polymorphic in each species. The number of alleles per locus averaged 4.6, and observed heterozygosities averaged 0.41. Most primers also yielded polymerase chain reaction products in O. tethys, O. hornbyi and Pterodroma phaeopygia. These loci are being used to assay population genetic structure in storm-petrels.