Characterization of microsatellite loci in the creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus)

Thirty‐two polymorphic microsatellite loci (29 novel, 3 cross‐species) are characterized in the creek chub, Semotilus atromaculatus, a widespread and abundant North American minnow. Novel repeat‐containing sequences were isolated using a standard microsatellite enrichment procedure. A set of di‐, tri‐, and tetranucleotide markers with allele numbers ranging from two 16 are now available for estimating relatedness within and among populations in this ecologically important species.     

Characterization of 12 highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) and cross amplification in other Thymallus species

We describe the isolation and development of 12 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus). In a sample of 46 fish, we observed between three and 20 alleles per locus. All 12 of these loci were also polymorphic in at least one of the following Thymallus species and subspecies: T. burejensis, T. amurensis, T. thymallus, T. brevirostris, T. grubii, T. arcticus baicalensis and T. arcticus pallasi. These loci will aid in our understanding of the population genetics, behaviour and conservation of grayling species throughout the northern hemisphere.     

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 of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica)

Nine tetrarepeat microsatellite loci for Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) were characterized. By using 35 individuals of unknown relationship collected from Taiwan, we evaluated the polymorphism of these loci. The number of alleles for each locus ranged from five to 12 (mean = 8.78 alleles) and the observed heterozygosity from 0.429 to 0.962 (mean = 0.688) and all loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg expectation.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda (Ailurus fulgens)

A total of 15 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the red panda, Ailurus fulgens, were characterized in this study. Based on evaluations of 33 red pandas, the number of observed alleles for each locus ranged from seven to 17 and the expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.412–0.897 and 0.121–0.909, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content was 0.721. These markers would greatly strengthen the utilization of microsatellite tools in genetic variation studies in red panda populations.     

Isolation of polymorphic tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the highly endangered Baw Baw frog (Philoria frosti)

We isolated 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Baw Baw frog, Philoria frosti, from a genomic library enriched for (AAC)(n) and (AAAG)(n) repetitive elements. The number of alleles ranges from two to 14 per locus with the observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.04 to 0.96.     

Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in guppy (Poecilia reticulata)

Ten tetranucleotide microsatellite loci are characterized for guppy, Poecilia reticulata, an important model species in the study of adaptation and mating systems. Loci were isolated following a microsatellite enrichment procedure using probe‐labelled magnetic beads. These microsatellites were designed for use in examining gene flow, reproductive isolation, and parentage within natural guppy populations.     

PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Characterization of tri- and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for the slatey-grey snake (Stegonotus cucullatus, Colubridae)

We characterized nine polymorphic microsatellite (six trinucleotides and three tetranucleotides) loci for the slatey-grey snake (Stegonotus cucullatus) from Australia, in order to study the mating system of this species. Based on a total of 100 samples, the number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 10, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.62 to 0.86 and from 0.53 to 0.83, respectively.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 highly polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite DNA markers in Paa spinosa

The giant spiny frog, Paa spinosa is a vulnerable species. By using a modified FIASCO (Fast Isolation by AFLP Sequences Containing repeats) method, we isolated and characterized 16 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for P. spinosa. These loci had high polymorphism when screened in 33 randomly caught individuals. The average number of alleles for 16 loci was 7.13 (range 2–14). Observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.152–0.818 and 0.144–0.918, respectively, and did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. There was no evidence for scoring error due to stutter, null alleles, or large allele dropout. No significant association between pairs of loci was found after Bonferroni correction. These polymorphic loci will be effective for evaluating genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow and determining paternity in this frog, and also for conservation management.     

Characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci and development and validation of multiplex reactions for the study of right whale species (genus Eubalaena)

A North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) genomic library was developed and screened with a (GATA)₈ probe to identify tetranucleotide microsatellite loci. Sixteen characterized loci were polymorphic in North Atlantic and/or South Atlantic (Eubalaena australis) right whales, 12 being polymorphic in E. glacialis, and 15 in E. australis. Fourteen of these were combined with 21 other previously identified loci for a suite of 35 loci which can be used to increase resolution of genetic analyses of these species. Multiplex reactions were developed for genotyping samples at these loci, providing a method that is rapid, reliable and cost‐effective.     

Characterization of 15 tetranucleotide microsatellite markers in the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus)

We characterized 15 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers for the ringtail, Bassariscus astutus. We tested these loci in 21 individuals captured in Arizona and Texas and found six to 19 alleles per locus. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.381 to 1.000 and from 0.381 to 0.941, respectively. All loci were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and none were in linkage disequilibrium. These markers may be used to investigate population genetics and mating patterns in this species.     

Characterization of 16 microsatellite marker loci in the Maasai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi)

Sixteen polymorphic microsatellite markers with an average allele size of k = 4.3 are identified from a genomic plasmid library constructed for giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp.). Primer sequences and marker data are reported in tabular form. The markers were screened in a population of 25 Maasai giraffe (G. c. tippelskirchi) collected near the Athi River, Kenya. The average observed heterozygosity for each marker was 0.36 with an average expected heterozygosity of 0.535. Hardy–Weinberg deviations are reported from this population, which is suspected to be inbred. The markers will be used to screen the captive giraffe population for subspecific or hybrid classification.     

Isolation and characterization of variable microsatellite loci in Lilium philadelphicum (Liliaceae)

Here we describe the characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci for Lilium philadelphicum (Liliaceae). Polymorphism levels ranged from 7 to 30 alleles per locus with a mean number of 15 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity (H_O) ranged from 0.17 to 0.82 and did not deviate from Hardy–Weinberg expectations in the three western Montana populations included in the analysis. These loci are proving useful in studying gene flow between populations of this species distributed across its range in North America.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps)

We describe 18 microsatellite markers isolated in the cooperatively breeding chestnut‐crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps). The number of alleles ranged from seven to 16 per locus (mean N_a = 10.4 ± 0.54 SE) and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.732 to 0.889 (mean H_E = 0.836 ± 0.01 SE). Three of the 18 loci exhibited significant heterozygote deficiency, but the remaining 15 will be used to analyse population genetic structure and the mating system of this highly social species.     

Characterization of 26 new microsatellite loci in the dugong (Dugong dugon)

Twenty‐six microsatellite loci have been isolated from a dugong (Dugong dugon). The average heterozygosity was 0.52 with two to 10 alleles per locus surveyed from 50 individuals. The markers are suitable for genetic mark–recapture (P_ID = 5 × 10^?16) in dugongs and they could also be used to quantify physical tag loss, estimate relatedness, assign paternity, elucidate population structure and identify migrants. The loci also amplified in Florida manatees (22/26) and Asian elephants (6/26).     

Characterization of microsatellite loci in chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and cross‐species amplification in other salmonids

Previous studies of population genetic structure of fall‐run chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in California’s Central Valley have either not focused on or have been unable to resolve intertributary differences within the San Joaquin River basin. The authors describe the isolation, the polymerase chain reaction conditions, and characterize the cross‐species amplification of 17 microsatellite loci in six species of salmonids. Fourteen of these loci are polymorphic in fall‐run chinook from the San Joaquin River drainage. These results indicate the potential utility of microsatellite markers developed for one species, for both congenerics and species within a closely related genus.     

Characterization and PCR multiplexing of novel highly variable tetranucleotide Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) microsatellites

Seven novel and highly variable tetranucleotide microsatellite markers, and conditions for multiplexing and simultaneous genotyping six of these in a single run, are described for Atlantic salmon. These provide a highly informative and cost‐effective set of molecular markers for genetic studies on cultured and wild populations of the species. The primers sets showed cross‐species amplification of appropriately sized amplified products in a number of other salmonid species and suggests the primer sets may have wider application.