Development and characterisation of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for Tephrosia calophylla Bedd. (Fabaceae)

Tephrosia calophylla Bedd. (Fabaceae) is an endangered tropical plant endemic to southwestern Ghats, India. The objective of this study was to contribute to the characterisation of the diversity of this rare species, which is necessary for its future conservation. Accordingly, microsatellite markers were designed, and their ability to detect polymorphisms was determined. Nine microsatellite markers were developed using genomic libraries, and all of the markers were successfully amplified in 42 individuals. Three to nine alleles per locus were observed, and the heterozygosity of the loci ranged from 0.381 to 0.905. The nine newly developed polymorphic markers recognise a sufficient number of varying loci to perform further studies on the conservation and breeding of this medicinal cultivar.     

Characterization of 32 microsatellite loci for the Pacific red snapper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutjanus peru</Emphasis>, through next generation sequencing

We developed a set of hypervariable microsatellite markers for the Pacific red snapper (Lutjanus peru), an economically important marine fish for small-scale fisheries in the west coast of Mexico. We performed shotgun genome sequencing with the 454 XL titanium chemistry and used bioinformatic tools to search for perfect microsatellite loci. We selected 66 primer pairs that were synthesized and genotyped in an ABI PRISM 3730XL DNA sequencer in 32 individuals from the Gulf of California. We estimated levels of genetic diversity, deviations from linkage and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, estimated the frequency of null alleles and the probability of individual identity for the new markers. We reanalyzed 16 loci in 16 individuals to estimate genotyping error rates. Eighteen loci failed to amplify, 16 loci were discarded due to unspecific amplifications and 32 loci (14 tetranucleotide and 18 dinucleotide) were successfully scored. The average number of alleles per locus was 21 (±6.87, SD) and ranged from 8 to 34. The average observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.787 (±0.144 SD, range 0.250–0.935) and 0.909 (±0.122 SD, range 0.381–0.965), respectively. No significant linkage was detected. Eight loci showed deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and from these, four loci showed moderate null allele frequencies (0.104–0.220). The probability of individual identity for the new loci was 1.46^?62. Genotyping error rates averaged 9.58%. The new markers will be useful to investigate patterns of larval dispersal, metapopulation dynamics, fine-scale genetic structure and diversity aimed to inform the implementation of spatially explicit fisheries management strategies in the Gulf of California.     

Isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci for the Chevrier's field mouse (Apodemus chevrieri)

We describe the isolation and characterization of 14 microsatellite loci in the Chevrier's field mouse from genomic DNA-enriched libraries. The 14 loci were highly polymorphic with numbers of alleles per locus in 24 individuals ranging from three to 13, observed heterozygosity from 0.381 to 0.867 and expected heterozygosity from 0.448 to 0.931. All loci followed Hardy-Weinberg expectations except for CFM3, CFM10 and CFM12 loci. No significant linkage association was found among all these loci. The 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci will be useful in studying phylogeography and population genetics of the Chevrier's field mouse.     

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.     

Concordance of genetic divergence among sockeye salmon populations at allozyme, nuclear DNA, and mitochondrial DNA markers

Abstract.— We examined genetic variation at 21 polymorphic allozyme loci, 15 nuclear DNA loci, and mitochondrial DNA in four spawning populations of sockeye salmon ( Oncorhynchus nerka ) from Cook Inlet, Alaska, to test for differences in the patterns of divergence among different types of markers. We were specifically interested in testing the suggestion that natural selection at allozyme loci compromises the effectiveness of these markers for describing the amount and patterns of gene flow among populations. We found concordance among markers in the amount of genetic variation within and among populations, with the striking exception of one allozyme locus ( sAH ), which exhibited more than three times the amount of among-population differentiation as other loci. A consideration of reports of discordance between allozymes and other loci indicates that these differences usually result from one or two exceptional loci. We conclude that it is important to examine many loci when estimating genetic differentiation to infer historical amounts of gene flow and patterns of genetic exchange among populations. It is less important whether those loci are allozymes or nuclear DNA markers.     

Characterization of 11 new microsatellite loci in taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Eleven new microsatellite markers were isolated from taro, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, a root crop widely distributed all over the world. Forty-eight primer pairs were designed from a microsatellite-enriched genomic library, of which 11 primer pairs have polymorphisms in 30 individuals tested from a population in China, which revealed two to six alleles per locus with the observed and expected heterozygosity levels ranging from 0 to 0.733 and from 0.381 to 0.731, respectively. These new genetic markers will be useful for the study of taro germplasm management and population evolution in the future.     

Microsatellite resources for Passeridae species: a predicted microsatellite map of the house sparrow Passer domesticus

We identified microsatellite sequences of potential utility in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and assigned their predicted genome locations. These sequences included newly isolated house sparrow loci, which we fully characterized. Many of the newly isolated loci were polymorphic in two other species of Passeridae: Berthelot's pipit Anthus berthelotii and zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. In total, we identified 179 microsatellite markers that were either isolated directly from, or are of known utility in, the house sparrow. Sixty-seven of these markers were designed from unique sequences that we isolated from a house sparrow genomic library. These new markers were combined with 36 house sparrow markers isolated by other studies and 76 markers isolated from other passerine species but known to be polymorphic in the house sparrow. We utilized sequence homology to assign chromosomal locations for these loci in the assembled zebra finch genome. One hundred and thirty-four loci were assigned to 25 different autosomes and eight loci to the Z chromosome. Examination of the genotypes of known-sex house sparrows for 37 of the new loci revealed a W-linked locus and an additional Z-linked locus. Locus Pdoμ2, previously reported as autosomal, was found to be Z-linked. These loci enable the creation of powerful and cost-effective house sparrow multiplex primer sets for population and parentage studies. They can be used to create a house sparrow linkage map and will aid the identification of quantitative trait loci in passerine species.     

Limited usefulness of microsatellite markers from the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae when applied to the closely related species Anopheles melas

Anopheles melas is a brackish water mosquito found in coastal West Africa where it is a dominant malaria vector locally. In order to facilitate genetic studies of this species, 45 microsatellite loci originally developed for Anopheles gambiae were sequenced in An. melas. Those that were suitable based on repeat number and flanking regions were examined in 2 natural populations from Equatorial Guinea. Only 15 loci were eventually deemed suitable as polymorphic markers in An. melas populations. These loci were screened in 4 populations from a wider geographic range. Heterozygosity estimates ranged from 0.18 to 0.79, and 2.5-15 average alleles were observed per locus, yielding 13 highly polymorphic markers and 2 loci with lower variability. To examine the usefulness of microsatellite markers when applied in a sibling species, the original An. gambiae specific markers were used to amplify 5 loci in An. melas. Null alleles were found for 1 An. gambiae marker. We discuss the pitfalls of using microsatellite loci across closely related species and conclude that in addition to the problem of null alleles associated with this practice, many loci may prove to be of very limited use as polymorphic markers even when used in a sibling species.     

A set of microsatellite markers for population genetics of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and cross-species amplification in other felids

We describe the isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite loci from the leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis Kerr, 1792 (Family Felidae). Using Illumina HiSeq2500 sequencing technology, we sequenced the leopard cat genome and identified 1.5 million loci of simple sequence repeats with di- to deca-nucleotide motifs. We developed twelve polymorphic markers with tetra-nucleotide motif types after screening 35 loci for amplification and polymorphism. The observed and expected heterozygosities of the markers were 0.438 and 0.423, respectively. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with a mean polymorphism information content of 0.383. Eleven loci were at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and no linkage disequilibrium was detected among any pairs of loci. We tested cross-species amplification of these markers across five other felids (Panthera tigris, P. pardus, P. onca, Acinonyx jubatus, and Felis catus). All loci were transferable to at least one other feline species and four amplified all five species. The microsatellite markers developed in this study will be valuable for estimating ecological parameters of populations and to establish conservation and management strategies for feline species.     

云南当前种植地方稻种SSR遗传多样性分析

本研究选用20对SSR引物对2007～2008年间从云南省56个县（区）收集的416份地方稻种进行遗传多样性分析。共检测到116个等位变异,每个位点变幅为3～13,平均为5.8个;SSR引物多态性信息含量PIC指数平均为0.681,最小为RM18的0.349到最大RM6748的为0.891;56个县的PIC变幅为0.025～0.679,平均为0.381,勐海县的PIC最高,广南县等仅有1份参试材料的8个县的PIC最低。聚类结果表明,在遗传一致度为0.362处将56个县分为3个类群,第Ⅰ类包括勐海等54个县,在阈值为0.499处又分为两个亚类,其中亚类Ⅰ-1包括36个县,亚类Ⅰ-2包括18个县,第Ⅱ类仅包括思茅区,第Ⅲ类仅包括河口县;楚雄州的牟定县与姚安县的遗传一致度最大,为0.943,大姚县与姚安县的遗传一致度也较高,为0.925,思茅区与宁蒗县的遗传一致度最小,为0.033,各县（区）的遗传一致度与地理位置有一定的相关性。本研究结果表明云南当前种植的地方稻种具有丰富的遗传多样性,但分布很不均匀,遗传多样性主要集中在西双版纳,德宏,普洱,临沧和红河5个州市。     

Development, characterisation, inheritance, and cross-species utility of American lobster (Homarus americanus) microsatellite and mtDNA PCR-RFLP markers.

Effective management of exploited species demands contemporary knowledge of population structure and mating patterns. Genetic markers can prove useful in providing this knowledge. Despite its commercial importance, genetic markers for American lobster (Homarus americanus) are limited. We developed 12 tetra- and 1 trinucleotide microsatellite loci for American lobster that exhibit little stuttering after PCR amplification. Gene diversity of these loci ranged from 0.516 to 0.929. A four-locus multiplex permits rapid genotyping of progeny in parentage experiments with a paternity exclusion probability over the four loci of 97.8%. We examined the loci for conformity to Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) and linkage using individuals from one location and found that four loci deviated from HWE. We also tested inheritance and pairwise linkage using 48 embryos from each of two females. With the exception of two loci that were derived from the same clone and separated by 72 bp, no evidence of linkage was found. We, for the first time, demonstrate the occurrence of multiple paternity in American lobster. We also observed an apparent occurrence of dispermic androgenesis, possibly the first documentation of such an event within a species. Ten of the loci amplified in European lobster (Homarus gammarus), although two were monomorphic and one deviated significantly from HWE. We quantified mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variation through the use of PCR amplification of two DNA fragments, followed by digestion with restriction enzymes; eight haplotypes were detected. One of the two fragments amplified in European lobster. Both sets of markers should prove useful for population discrimination purposes, and the microsatellites, in particular the four-locus multiplex, should prove highly amenable to rapidly addressing questions about mating patterns.     

Type I microsatellite markers from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) expressed sequence tags

The detection of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) within expressed sequence tags (ESTs) connects potential microsatellite markers with specific genes, generating Type I markers. Using an in silico approach, we identified 1975 SSRs from the Genome Research on Atlantic Salmon Project EST database. We designed primers to amplify 158 SSRs, of which 65 amplified 76 loci (including 11 duplicated loci). Sixty‐one of the 76 loci were variable in 24 Atlantic salmon from seven populations, and 96% of these markers also amplify DNA from other salmonids. Functions for 16 of the SSR associated ESTs have been determined, confirming them as Type I markers.     

Twenty-three new microsatellite loci in the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae)

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), is a significant pest of cattle. Twenty-three microsatellite markers were isolated from a repeat-enriched genomic library of S. calcitrans. We characterized variation at these markers and found that 17 loci were polymorphic in two fly populations from Florida. Two to nine alleles were observed among the variable microsatellite loci and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.03704 to 0.85115. These markers will be useful for characterizing population genetic differentiation and for tracking the migration patterns of stable flies in the USA and worldwide.     

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.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 microsatellite loci in the mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

We isolated 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) and developed conditions for amplifying these markers in four multiplex reactions. Three to 14 alleles were detected per locus across two sampled populations. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.902 and from 0.100 to 0.830, respectively. Three loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in one sampled population. One of these loci may be sex linked. These markers will be useful in the study of population structure in this important pest species.     

Development and characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for Mexican spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata) with cross-amplification in Plains spadefoot toads (S. bombifrons)

We developed nine polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Mexican spadefoot toad, Spea multiplicata. Allele numbers range from five to 12, with observed heterozygosities from 0.48 to 0.87. Because two loci are in linkage disequilibrium, these nine loci provide eight independent markers. Three loci exhibit departure from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, possibly resulting from null alleles or population admixture. These markers will be useful for assessing population structure and relatedness in S. multiplicata. Based on our success at cross-amplification in the Plains spadefoot toad (Spea bombifrons), these loci also may be useful in this species with additional optimization.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellites in the kakerori (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomarea dimidiata</Emphasis>) using feathers as source of DNA

The kakerori (Pomarea dimidiata) is an endangered forest bird in the Cook Islands, South Pacific. We have developed 10 microsatellite markers using kakerori feathers as the DNA source. Seven of these loci were found to be polymorphic in 42 individuals examined. The number of alleles per locus in the polymorphic loci varied from 3 to 5. Observed and expected heterozygosity ranges were 0.57–0.74 and 0.50–0.74, respectively. All loci isolated conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium expectations. We believe these loci will be useful in studying kakerori conservation genetics, and our success in developing microsatellite markers from feather samples will encourage the use of less invasive sample sources in microsatellite isolation studies.     

Microsatellite markers for the hybridizing tiger swallowtails, Papilio glaucus and P. canadensis, and their applicability to historic specimens and congeneric species

We report the development of microsatellite markers for the sister species Papilio glaucus and P. canadensis (Papilionidae: Lepidoptera). All 16 markers displayed a high degree of variation in both species, ranging from eight to 24 alleles per locus. Substantial heterozygote deficits were observed for several loci, indicating the presence of null alleles. All markers were successfully used to genotype dried samples from a historical collection. Cross-species amplification with six additional Papilio species showed that most loci can be used to study genetic variation in other closely related species of tiger swallowtails.