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,characterization and cross‐species amplification of microsatellite DNA loci in the tropical American yam Dioscorea trifida

We developed microsatellite markers in American yam (Dioscorea trifida). A microsatellite sequence‐enriched genomic library was screened, and after sequencing, primers were designed for 20 microsatellites. Among these, eight primer pairs yielded amplification products that were both interpretable and polymorphic in 24 yam cultivars. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 13 and the overall expected heterozygosity was around 0.5. Six of the eight Dioscorea trifida microsatellite loci gave amplification products in other Dioscorea species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Pseudoplatystoma corruscans (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) and cross‐species amplification

A total of five polymorphic microsatellites loci from Pseudoplatystoma corruscans were isolated and characterized. A population survey involving 43 specimens resolved a large number of alleles (range seven to eight among loci) and high observed heterozygosity (0.500–0.615), indicating its usefulness in population genetics studies. Cross‐species amplification was successful in four other Pimelodidae 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.     

Isolation and characterization of new microsatellite loci in the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and cross‐species amplification in other penaeid species

The goal of the present study was to obtain valuable microsatellite markers useful in genetic approaches of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, an important aquaculture species of the world. Eight loci produced suitable polymorphic patterns with allele number ranging from two to 12 and expected heterozygosity from 0.18 to 0.89. Cross‐species amplification was successfully performed in five other penaeid species (Litopenaeus schmitti, Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, Farfantepenaeus paulensis, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri and Rimapenaeus constrictus), indicating that some these loci can be useful in studies of other related species.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci for the mustached tamarin (Saguinus mystax) and their cross‐species amplification in other New World monkeys

We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the mustached and cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus mystax and S. oedipus) and also tested their applicability in other New World monkey genera. Six loci proved to be variable in Cebus apella and Saimiri sciureus/S. boliviensis, respectively. We also show that faeces‐derived DNA is suitable for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses of a primate taxon that gives birth to twins with individuals exhibiting a haematopoetic chimaerism. The microsatellite fingerprint patterns do not display a complex mixture of the PCR‐products derived from the alleles of both dizygotic twins, but exhibit the constitutive alleles of one sibling only.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Lampsilis abrupta (Bivalvia: Unionidae) and cross‐species amplification within the genus

We have documented the first microsatellites isolated from a unionid and demonstrated that these markers can be useful for surveys of neutral genetic variation in several Lampsilis species. We describe the isolation and characterization of 15 polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci for the endangered unionid Lampsilis abrupta. Among individuals from five collections, allelic diversity ranged from six to 17 alleles and averaged 10.4 alleles per locus. Individual heterozygosity was observed to range from 20.0% to 86.7% and averaged 46.9%. Cross‐species amplification was investigated in nine additional Lampsilis species. A high level of flanking sequence similarity was inferred as 13 of 15 loci amplified in at least seven species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from the orchid Serapias vomeracea (Orchidaceae) and cross‐priming to other Serapias species

In this paper we describe the isolation and characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci from the orchid Serapias vomeracea. This species is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. Microsatellite loci were isolated from an enriched library and primer pairs were designed for 18 loci. Primer pairs for six loci amplified well and were tested on samples from southern Italy. Levels of genetic variability detected at these six loci are high, with numbers of alleles per locus ranging from 3 to 6, and observed heterozygosity (H_O) ranging from 0.35 to 0.86. All primer pairs tested amplified DNA from four other Serapias species, indicating that the primers are useful for population genetic studies throughout the genus.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci in the poplar rust fungus,Melampsora larici‐populina,and cross‐amplification in related species

We developed 15 microsatellite loci in the poplar rust fungus, Melampsora larici‐populina, using two enrichment protocols. Polymorphism of each locus was assessed on a panel of 30 isolates, comprising three subpanels (world, regional and local scales). Thirteen loci were polymorphic with three to eight alleles detected. The 15 loci were also tested on five related Melampsora species, M. allii‐populina, M. medusae f. sp. deltoidae, M. larici‐tremulae, M. rostrupii and M. pinitorqua, and partial or global cross‐amplification events were detected.     

Identification and characterization of 18 novel polymorphic microsatellite makers derived from expressed sequence tags in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas

We report the development of 18 new polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers derived from Crassostrea gigas expressed sequences tags. Genotyping of 48 wild adult oysters sampled from Marennes-Oléron bay (France) revealed 12 to 48 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosity levels ranged from 0.64 to 1 and from 0.77 to 0.97, respectively. The development of these new markers creates a useful complementary tool for population genetics studies, parentage analysis and mapping in Pacific oyster, a species of major aquacultural and ecological importance.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Penstemon rostriflorus (Plantaginaceae) and cross‐species amplification

Eight novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Penstemon rostriflorus, representing the first microsatellite markers available for this genus. Loci were characterized for 20 individuals from two populations in the Great Basin, USA. All loci are polymorphic within P. rostriflorus (seven to 13 alleles per locus; observed heterozygosity between 0.40 and 0.95), and therefore useful for population genetic studies within the species. Cross‐species transferability was tested on 40 additional species of Penstemon, and results indicate that these primers pairs will likely be useful for population genetic studies on many Penstemon species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Lesquerella fendleri (Brassicaceae) and cross‐species amplification

Fifteen novel microsatellite primer pairs are presented for Lesquerella fendleri, which were developed from seven dinucleotide, five trinucleotide and three tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA loci. These loci were characterized for 40 individuals from 24 localities throughout the species range. The number of alleles observed per locus ranged from three to 16, the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.175 to 0.750, and the polymorphic information content ranged from 0.218 to 0.889. Cross‐species transferability tested on nine species of Lesquerella and one species of the related genus Physaria indicates that these primer pairs may be useful for population genetic studies of other species in Lesquerella and possibly other closely related genera.     

Isolation and cross‐species amplification of seven microsatellite loci from Emydoidea blandingii

We describe the cloning and characterization of seven microsatellite loci from [CA]‐ and [GA]‐enriched partial genomic libraries of Blanding's turtle, Emydoidea blandingii, and their use in two other species of freshwater turtle, Chrysemys picta and Chelydra serpentina. These loci will be used in a long‐term ecological study of the reproductive success of these co‐occurring freshwater turtle species.     

Isolation,characterization and cross‐species amplification of microsatellite loci in the cycad genus Dioon (Zamiaceae). Potential utilization in population genetics studies of Dioon edule

Dioon edule (Zamiaceae) is an endemic Mexican cycad. Nineteen microsatellite loci were isolated from three enriched genomic libraries of D. edule var. angustifolium, D. tomasellii, and D. caputoi. Seven of these loci showed polymorphisms in D. edule. Levels of polymorphism were assessed using 16 individuals from each of seven populations throughout the range of this species. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0 to 0.9821 and from 0.0088 to 0.6318, respectively. All loci show significant linkage disequilibrium. Three loci depart significantly from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium.     

Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) and their cross‐amplification in a variety of passerine species

Cardueline finches have become important models in studies of sexual selection. Here I describe eight polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from the American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) that are useful in parentage and heterozygosity studies. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 38 based on 252 goldfinches. The markers are polymorphic in at least four other Cardueline finch species, and several amplify in nonfinch passerines including red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), black‐throated blue warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) and tufted titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor), indicating they should be useful in paternity and population studies of a variety of species.     

New microsatellite markers for the bush rat,Rattus fuscipes greyii: characterization and cross‐species amplification

We describe here 16 new microsatellite markers for the bush rat, Rattus fuscipes greyii, and characterize their cross‐species amplification within the Australian Rattus and at a greater level of divergence in Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. Within R. f. greyii, all of the loci are highly polymorphic, with six to 24 alleles per locus across the species range and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.90 per locus within a sample of 24 rats from a large population on Kangaroo Island. Cross‐species amplification rates were approximately 87% within the Australian Rattus and approximately 50% within R. rattus and R. norvegicus. These loci are highly polymorphic with a high success rate of cross‐species amplification, making them potentially useful for a wide range of genetic studies.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in wheat stem sawfly Cephus cinctus and cross‐species amplification in related species

The wheat stem sawfly is an important insect pest of wheat that can cause significant damage to yield and grain quality. Five microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, to facilitate future population genetic studies and help delineate their geographical origin. These loci were found to be polymorphic with an expected heterozygosity ranging from 0.304 to 0.937 and an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.05 to 0.65. Successful cross‐species amplification demonstrates the potential for these markers to provide a valuable tool for future population studies among related Cephus species.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the gecko Gekko swinhonis and cross‐species amplification in other gekkonid species

Gekko swinhonis is a gekkonid lizard endemic to China, inhabiting Loess Plateau, Huabei Plain, Huanghuai Plain and areas north of the Yangtze River. We characterized 21 dinucleotide microsatellite loci from an AC/AG‐enriched genomic library of G. swinhonis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from eight to 24 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.160 to 0.834 and from 0.584 to 0.917, respectively. We also tested the utility of these loci in other Gekko and Hemidactylus species; many of these loci can be cross‐amplified.     

Characterization of 35 microsatellite loci in the Pacific lion‐paw scallop (Nodipecten subnodosus) and their cross‐species amplification in four other scallops of the Pectinidae family

Four microsatellite‐enriched DNA libraries yielded 35 microsatellite loci from 100 primer pairs designed for Pacific lion‐paw scallop, Nodipecten subnodosus. The number of alleles ranged from four to 28. Three of the 35 loci were not in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium was found for one pair of loci. These microsatellites will be used to analyse the population structure of the species in Mexico's Baja Peninsula to propose management strategies for scallop aquaculture development. Twenty‐six primer pairs cross‐amplified in Nodipecten nodosus, whereas none (Argopecten ventricosus) or few cross‐amplified in the Argopecten species.