大熊猫遗传多样性评估的微卫星分型体系优化

微卫星作为重要的分子标记之一,已被证明在大熊猫种群规模评估、亲子鉴定和遗传多样性分析方面是有效的。目前微卫星标记在大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)染色体上物理定位方面的报道较少,而且缺乏微卫星基因分型系统的效能评估以及PCR扩增条件的优化。本研究基于大熊猫基因组参考序列(ASM200744v2),分析了34个大熊猫微卫星位点的染色体定位特征并评价了位点的应用价值。通过优化34个STR-PCR反应体系和扩增程序,结合微卫星的染色体定位数据确定了Ame-μ10标记的较低应用价值以及gpz-6重新筛选引物的必要性。本研究有助于提高基因分型结果的重复性和可靠性,对促进《大熊猫种群遗传档案建立技术规程》规范化应用和制定大熊猫保护策略具有重要意义。     

利用分子生物学技术研究大熊猫的进展

分子生物学手段为大熊猫研究注入了前所未有的活力,并将大熊猫的研究工作带入一个崭新的阶段。本文着重回顾了最近十几年来分子生物学技术在大熊猫研究中的应用与研究成果。尤其是PCR、RAPD、RFLP等技术及新的遗传标记(如微卫星、小卫星等)的出现,使得人们在大熊猫的遗传多样性、分子系统发育及生态学等领域的研究取得的进展。最后,对分子生物学技术在这一领域中的应用前景进行了展望。     

大熊猫野化放归中的遗传学分析

大熊猫为我国特有的濒危物种,由于人类活动的影响,其生境遭到破碎化以致孤立小种群间基因流受限制,严重威胁野生孤立小种群的续存。野化放归以复壮并建立能自我维持的野生种群是物种保护的一种有效措施,这在国内外已有成功先例。野化放归圈养大熊猫以复壮野生种群是大熊猫保护的重要策略之一。然而,破碎化生境阻碍了小种群间的基因交流,加剧了因近交和遗传漂变带来生存力下降的危机。因此大熊猫的放归必须首先考虑其遗传背景,以改善种群基因库为目的。综合微卫星与线粒体等分子标记分析显示,现存野生大熊猫种群和圈养种群仍具有中等或以上的遗传水平,具有较大的进化潜力,这为大熊猫野化放归提供了遗传学支持。另外,小相岭和大相岭种群的遗传水平最低,应首先考虑这些种群的复壮,并且对秦岭种群进行特殊管理与保护。大熊猫的野化放归应着重于野放个体亲缘度的合理选择、基因丰富度的优先选择和有害基因的反向选择等三个遗传因素。本文旨在综合分析大熊猫现存种群遗传现状及其在野化放归中的决策性,以期为大熊猫野化放归提供参考依据。     

微卫星DNA在分子遗传标记研究中的应用

随着种群遗传学的发展 ,分子遗传标记特别是微卫星标记已经成为研究种群遗传的有力工具。本文就微卫星遗传标记的研究背景、技术应用以及优势与不足等方面进行了综述。     

卧龙圈养大熊猫遗传多样性现状及预测,

以中国最大的大熊猫圈养种群—四川卧龙中国大熊猫保护中心的圈养种群为对象,以８个大熊猫微卫星位点为分子标记, 探讨了大熊猫圈养种群的遗传多样性, 并与邛崃野生种群及其他７个濒危物种进行比较。微卫星数据表明, 圈养种群的遗传多样性水平(A＝5.5, He ＝0.620, Ho＝0.574) 低于邛崃野生种群(A＝9.8,He＝0.779,Ho＝0.581),但高于其他7 个濒危物种的种群(He＝0.13~0.46)。在此数据的基础上对未来100个世代内圈养种群遗传多样性的变化情况做出了预测。结果表明假设种群数量比现在扩大一倍, 经历100个世代后也只会使平均等位基因数少减少0.4。因此继续增加野生个体对保持遗传多样性的意义已经不大, 建议该圈养种群的保护策略应将重点放到制定更有效的繁殖计划以避免近交上。     

微卫星标记在种群生物学研究中的应用

微卫星是以几个碱基 (一般为 1～ 6个 )为重复单位组成的简单的串联重复序列 ,具有丰度高、多态性高、共显性标记、选择中性、可自动检测等优点。本文着重介绍了微卫星在种群生物学研究中的应用。微卫星位点可以提供具高分辨率的遗传信息 ,这一特点使微卫星既适合于个体水平上的研究 ,又适合于种群水平上的研究。在个体水平上包括个体识别、交配系统和亲本分析、基因流等研究。微卫星是常用的个体识别手段 ,但在克隆植物遗传结构研究方面的应用还很有限 ;微卫星提高了交配系统和亲本分析、基因流等研究的准确性。在种群水平上微卫星可用于遗传结构、有效种群大小、种群的系统发育重建等研究。微卫星在很多物种 (包括珍稀物种 )的遗传结构研究中得到应用 ;利用微卫星标记确定有效种群大小、检测有效种群大小的波动可以促使我们正确理解种群遗传结构动态和种群进化过程 ;微卫星在种群的系统发育重建研究方面有很大的应用潜力。然而微卫星并不是研究所有问题的唯一选择。文中还讨论了在实际工作中应如何正确利用分子标记等问题     

应用微卫星标记分析圈养大熊猫遗传多样性

以来源于成都大熊猫繁育研究基地和中国保护大熊猫研究中心的34只圈养大熊猫(分为a群体和b群体)和7只圈养野生大熊猫(圈养野生群)作为研究对象,利用AY161177～AY161218、Ame-μ5～Ame-μ70和g001～g905等30个微卫星标记对其遗传多样性现状进行分析,并探讨保持圈养大熊猫遗传多样性的方法.微卫星数据表明,30个微卫星标记多态性好(PIC=0.621～0.640),圈养大熊猫遗传多样性水平(a群体:A=5.48,Ho=0.475,He=0.696;b群体:A=5.24,Ho=0.453,He=0.719;圈养野生群:A=3.80,Ho=0.514,He=0.725)高于6个濒危物种(Ho=0.210～0.390,He=0.150～0.430)但低于3个非濒危物种(Ho=0.620～0.710),圈养大熊猫遗传多样性水平都保持在较高水平,但圈养群遗传多样性水平与圈养野生群相比有所降低.F统计量及基因流Nm分析结果证明,a、b两群体间遗传分化程度不高(Nm=2.610,Fst=0.0874,Fit=0.4116),存在个体交换和一定程度的近交,b群体近交程度高于a群体(a群体Fis=0.3221,b群体Fis=0.3983).因此,现阶段圈养大熊猫的管理重点是避免近交和遗传多样性丧失,将圈养大熊猫种群作为同一管理单元,把纠正大熊猫系谱中的错误、科学选择大熊猫个体进行群体间交流作为关键点,利用微卫星技术保持和提高大熊猫种群的遗传多样性水平.     

微卫星DNA标记技术及其在昆虫学上的应用

微卫星DNA标记作为一种多态性和稳定性高、重复性好、呈共显性的分子遗传标记技术,目前已被广泛应用于昆虫学的研究中。本文介绍了微卫星DNA标记的基本原理和特点,并综述了近年来该技术在昆虫种群遗传结构及分化、生物学特性与习性、遗传图谱的构建、基因定位以及系统发生等领域中的应用。     

微卫星遗传标记及其在昆虫种群遗传学中的应用

微卫星是一类短串联重复的寡核苷酸序列,广泛地分散于各类真核生物基因组中,它具有多态性高、检测结果稳定可靠等特点,是目前较为理想的群体遗传研究的分子标记之一。该文阐述了微卫星DNA构成及特点,多态性形成机制、位点获得途径,列举了微卫星遗传标记在昆虫种群遗传学研究中的应用实例,并展望了该技术的应用前景。     

微卫星分子标记在濒危动物保护遗传学研究中的应用

微卫星DNA广泛分布于真核生物基因组中,具有多态性高、共显性遗传、选择中性、易于操作等特点,是一种极具应用价值的分子遗传标记,近年来在濒危动物保护遗传学研究中得到越来越多的应用。微卫星DNA高度多态性提供的高分辨率遗传信启,使其不仅适合个体水平的亲子鉴定与交配系统研究,而且也已成为种群遗传结构与多样性分析的有效分子标记。微卫星分析所需的DNA量极少,用非损伤性方法获取的极少量样品或陈旧样品就能用于有效分析,方便了濒危动物野外调查工作的开展,并且可以利用年代久远的馆藏历史标本揭示种群的重要历史进程。另外,某些微卫星DNA大小在近缘物种间可相互区分,这使得部分物种的DNA分子鉴别将更为简便。但微卫星分子标记的座位筛选和特异引物开发耗时费力,一定程度上限制了其广泛应用。针对不同的研究目的选择合适的分子标记方法将有助于更好的揭示问题本质。     

Genetic evidence of recent population contraction in the southernmost population of giant pandas

Anthropogenic habitat loss and fragmentation have been implicated in the endangerment and extinction of many species. Here we assess genetic variation and demographic history in the southernmost population of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) that continues to be threatened by habitat degradation and fragmentation, using noninvasive genetic sampling, mitochondrial control region sequence and 12 microsatellite loci. Compared to other giant panda populations, this population has medium-level genetic diversity based on the measure of both mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Mitochondrial DNA-based demographic analyses revealed that no historical population expansion or contraction has occurred, indicating a relatively stable population size. However, a Bayesian-coalescent method based on the observed allele distribution and allele frequencies of microsatellite clearly did detect, quantify and date a recent decrease in population size. Overall, the results indicate that a population contraction in the order of 95-96% has taken place over the last 910-999 years and is most likely due to anthropogenic habitat loss. These findings highlight the need for a greater focus on habitat protection and restoration for the long-term survival of this giant panda population.     

Population genetics reveals high connectivity of giant panda populations across human disturbance features in key nature reserve

The giant panda is an example of a species that has faced extensive historical habitat fragmentation, and anthropogenic disturbance and is assumed to be isolated in numerous subpopulations with limited gene flow between them. To investigate the population size, health, and connectivity of pandas in a key habitat area, we noninvasively collected a total of 539 fresh wild giant panda fecal samples for DNA extraction within Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan, China. Seven validated tetra‐microsatellite markers were used to analyze each sample, and a total of 142 unique genotypes were identified. Nonspatial and spatial capture–recapture models estimated the population size of the reserve at 164 and 137 individuals (95% confidence intervals 153–175 and 115–163), respectively. Relatively high levels of genetic variation and low levels of inbreeding were estimated, indicating adequate genetic diversity. Surprisingly, no significant genetic boundaries were found within the population despite the national road G350 that bisects the reserve, which is also bordered with patches of development and agricultural land. We attribute this to high rates of migration, with four giant panda road‐crossing events confirmed within a year based on repeated captures of individuals. This likely means that giant panda populations within mountain ranges are better connected than previously thought. Increased development and tourism traffic in the area and throughout the current panda distribution pose a threat of increasing population isolation, however. Maintaining and restoring adequate habitat corridors for dispersal is thus a vital step for preserving the levels of gene flow seen in our analysis and the continued conservation of the giant panda meta‐population in both Wolong and throughout their current range.     

Genome-wide survey and analysis of microsatellites in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), with a focus on the applications of a novel microsatellite marker system

Background

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a critically endangered species endemic to China. Microsatellites have been preferred as the most popular molecular markers and proven effective in estimating population size, paternity test, genetic diversity for the critically endangered species. The availability of the giant panda complete genome sequences provided the opportunity to carry out genome-wide scans for all types of microsatellites markers, which now opens the way for the analysis and development of microsatellites in giant panda.

Results

By screening the whole genome sequence of giant panda in silico mining, we identified microsatellites in the genome of giant panda and analyzed their frequency and distribution in different genomic regions. Based on our search criteria, a repertoire of 855,058 SSRs was detected, with mono-nucleotides being the most abundant. SSRs were found in all genomic regions and were more abundant in non-coding regions than coding regions. A total of 160 primer pairs were designed to screen for polymorphic microsatellites using the selected tetranucleotide microsatellite sequences. The 51 novel polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were discovered based on genotyping blood DNA from 22 captive giant pandas in this study. Finally, a total of 15 markers, which showed good polymorphism, stability, and repetition in faecal samples, were used to establish the novel microsatellite marker system for giant panda. Meanwhile, a genotyping database for Chengdu captive giant pandas (n = 57) were set up using this standardized system. What’s more, a universal individual identification method was established and the genetic diversity were analysed in this study as the applications of this marker system.

Conclusion

The microsatellite abundance and diversity were characterized in giant panda genomes. A total of 154,677 tetranucleotide microsatellites were identified and 15 of them were discovered as the polymorphic and stable loci. The individual identification method and the genetic diversity analysis method in this study provided adequate material for the future study of giant panda.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1268-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Sixteen novel microsatellite loci developed for the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Sixteen novel microsatellite DNA loci were developed from the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) using a magnetic-bead capture method. A total of 115 alleles were obtained for these markers, ranging from 4 to 12 alleles per locus (average 7.188). These loci exhibited high levels of polymorphic information content and expected heterozygosity, 0.558–0.855 (average 0.729) and 0.628–0.885 (average 0.778), respectively. Therefore, the allelic polymorphism and heterozygosity show that the giant pandas raised in China Research and Conservation Center possess abundant genetic variation. In addition, if the three markers showing null alleles were excluded, the remaining 13 microsatellite loci still presented extremely low non-exclusion probabilities of parentage (0.002), paternity (0.000) and identity (0.000). As a result, this new suit of microsatellite markers would be a very informative tool for the genetic and conservation studies of giant pandas.     

Microsatellite variability reveals the necessity for genetic input from wild giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) into the captive population

Recent success in breeding giant pandas in captivity has encouraged panda conservationists to believe that the ex situ population is ready to serve as a source for supporting the wild population. In this study, we used 11 microsatellite DNA markers to assess the amount and distribution of genetic variability present in the two largest captive populations (Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Sichuan Province and the China Research and Conservation Center for the Giant Panda at Wolong, Sichuan Province). The data were compared with those samples from wild pandas living in two key giant panda nature reserves (Baoxing Nature Reserve and Wanglang Nature Reserve). The results show that the captive populations have retained lower levels of allelic diversity and heterozygosity compared to isolated wild populations. However, low inbreeding coefficients indicate that captive populations are under careful genetic management. Excessive heterozygosity suggests that the two captive populations have experienced a genetic bottleneck, presumably caused by founder effects. Moreover, evidence of increased genetic divergence demonstrates restricted breeding options within facilities. Based on these results, we conclude that the genetic diversity in the captive populations is not optimal. Introduction of genetic materials from wild pandas and improved exchange of genetic materials among institutions will be necessary for the captive pandas to be representative of the wild populations.     

Development of a predicted physical map of microsatellite locus positions for pinnipeds, with wider applicability to the Carnivora

Understanding genetic variation responsible for phenotypic differences in natural populations is significantly hampered by a lack of genomic data for many species. Levels of variation can, however, be estimated using microsatellite markers, which may be useful for relating individual fitness to genetic diversity. Prior studies have demonstrated correlations between heterozygosity and individual fitness in some species. These correlations are sometimes driven by a subset of markers, and it is unclear whether this is because those markers best reflect genome-wide heterozygosity, or whether they are linked to fitness-related genes. Differentiating between these scenarios is hindered when the genomic location of markers is unknown. Here, we develop a predicted genomic map of pinniped microsatellite loci based on conservation of primary sequence and genomic location between dog, cat and giant panda. We mapped 210 of 260 (81%) microsatellites from pinnipeds to locations in dog, cat and giant panda genomes. Based on the demonstrable synteny between the genomes of closely related taxa within the Carnivora, we use these data to identify those microsatellites with the greatest chance of cross-species amplification success and demonstrate successful amplification of 21 of 26 loci for cat, dog and two seal species. We also demonstrate the potential to identify candidate genes that may underpin the functional relationship with individual fitness. Overall, we show that this approach provides a rapid and robust method to elucidate genome organisation for nonmodel organisms and have established a resource that facilitates further genetic research on pinnipeds that also has wider applicability to other carnivores.     

Thirty-three microsatellite loci for noninvasive genetic studies of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)

Limited microsatellite markers useable in noninvasive genetic methods have hampered the studies of dispersal patterns and mating systems of giant pandas. Therefore, we describe in this paper the characterization of 15 novel microsatellite loci from genomic DNA-enriched libraries and 18 redesigned microsatellite loci from published papers on the giant panda. The number of alleles per locus in 60 individuals ranged from 2 to 13, the average observed heterozygosity per locus from 0.168 to 0.800, and the average expected heterozygosity per locus from 0.152 to 0.882. All loci followed Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Four pairs of significant linkage association were found among all these loci. Moreover, the 33 microsatellite loci showed high amplification successes rate in noninvasive samples, which indicated that these loci will be of use in studying dispersal patterns and mating systems of giant pandas using noninvasive genetic methods.     

基于转录组测序的大熊猫多态性微卫星标记筛选

结合已公布的大熊猫Ailuropoda melanoleuca基因组和本实验室所测6只大熊猫的转录组数据,筛选多态性微卫星位点并分析其组成及特征。结果显示:共获得326个多态性微卫星位点,其中二碱基多态性微卫星最多,共228个,占69.93%;三、四、五、六碱基所占比例分别为9.51%、14.11%、5.21%、1.22%。根据分析结果中缺失率与标准差2项指标以及位点序列长度,选取20个多态性二碱基微卫星位点,用于25只大熊猫个体血液DNA进行PCR验证并做后续分析。结果表明:不同位点的等位基因数为2～8,平均等位基因数为3.70,观测杂合度、期望杂合度分别为0～1.000、0.280～0.784,平均值分别为0.472和0.532。在Bonferroni校正后,证实4个位点显著偏离哈迪-温伯格平衡,所有位点未观察到显著连锁不平衡(P>0.01)。20个位点多态信息含量(PIC)在0.246～0.734,其中具有高度多态性的位点9个(PIC>0.50),11个位点呈中度多态性(0.25相似文献   

Genetic viability and population history of the giant panda, putting an end to the "evolutionary dead end"?

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is currently threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and human persecution. Its dietary specialization, habitat isolation, and reproductive constraints have led to a perception that this is a species at an "evolutionary dead end," destined for deterministic extinction in the modern world. Here we examine this perception by a comprehensive investigation of its genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history across its geographic range. We present analysis of 655 base pairs of mitochondrial (mt) control region (CR) DNA and 10 microsatellite loci for samples from its 5 extant mountain populations (Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai, Liangshan, and Lesser Xiangling). Surprisingly, extant populations display average to high levels of CR and microsatellite diversity compared with other bear species. Genetic differentiation among populations was significant in most cases but was markedly higher between Qinling and the other mountain ranges, suggesting, minimally, that the Qinling population should comprise a separate management unit for conservation purposes. Recent demographic inference using microsatellite markers demonstrated a clear genetic signature for population decline starting several thousands years ago or even further back in the past, and being accelerated and enhanced by the expansion of human populations. Importantly, these data suggest that the panda is not a species at an evolutionary "dead end," but in common with other large carnivores, has suffered demographically at the hands of human pressure. Conservation strategies should therefore focus on the restoration and protection of wild habitat and the maintenance of the currently substantial regional genetic diversity, through active management of disconnected populations.