Microsatellite analysis of genetic diversity in the Chinese alligator
(<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alligator sinensis</Emphasis>) Changxing captive population |
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Authors: | Qianghua?Xu Email author" target="_blank">Shengguo?FangEmail author Zhiping?Wang Zhenwei?Wang |
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Institution: | (1) College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, No. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou, 310029, Zhejiang, P.R. China;(2) State Conservation Center for Gene Resources of Endangered Wildlife, The Key Laboratory of Conservation Genetics and Reproductive Biology for Endangered Wild Animals of the Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, P.R. China;(3) Changxing Nature Reserve and Breeding Research Chinese Alligator, Changxing, Zhejiang, P.R. China |
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Abstract: | Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is a critically endangered species endemic to China. In this study, the extent of genetic variation in the captive alligators
of the Changxing Reserve Center was investigated using microsatellite markers derived from American alligators. Out of 22
loci employed, 21 were successfully amplified in the Chinese alligator. Sequence analysis showed loci in American alligators
had a bigger average size than that of the Chinese alligators and the longest allele of an individual locus almost always
existed in the species with longer stretch of repeat units. Eight of the 22 loci were found to be polymorphic with a total
of 26 alleles present among 32 animals scored, yielding an average of 3.25 alleles per polymorphic locus. The expected heterozygosity
(H
E) ranged at a moderate level from 0.4385 to 0.7163 in this population. Compared to that in the American alligators, a lower
level of microsatellite diversity existed in the Changxing population as revealed by about 46% fewer alleles per locus and
smaller H
E at the homologous loci. The average exclusion power and the ability to detect shared genotypes and multiple paternity were
evaluated for those markers. Results suggested that when the polymorphic loci were combined, they could be sensitive markers
in genetic diversity study and relatedness inference within the Chinese alligator populations. The level of genetic diversity
present in the current Changxing population indicated an important resource to complement reintroductions based on the individuals
from the other population. In addition, the microsatellite markers and their associated diversity characterized in this population
could be utilized to further investigate the genetic status of this species. |
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Keywords: | Alligator mississippiensis ascertainment bias heterozygosity microsatellite evolution relatedness |
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