Characterization of 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci from Bathymodiolus manusensis (Bivalvia, Mytilidae) from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Species in the genus Bathymodiolus are mytilid mussels found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. Next-generation sequencing techniques were employed to identify eighteen unlinked polymorphic microsatellite loci for Bathymodiolus manusensis from Manus Basin in the western Pacific. Allele frequencies for eight loci conform to Hardy–Weinberg expectations and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.04 to 0.90 (mean H _O = 0.45, SD = 0.25). Ten of eighteen loci cross-amplified in Bathymodiolus heckerae from Atlantic seeps. Microsatellites developed for Bathymodiolus manusensis are being deployed to study connectivity among populations of this species colonizing geographically discrete back-arc basin vent systems.     

Characterization of 21 microsatellite loci from the invasive Mediterranean gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)

It is crucial to understand the dispersal potential of invasive species to predict how biological invasions spread. Molecular data can provide unique insights into sources, routes, and mechanisms of invasion. Twenty-one microsatellite markers were developed for the Mediterranean gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), a species native to southwest Asia that has successfully invaded much of the southern US. The loci were characterized with geckos collected from two locations at Texas A&M University. Eighteen of the 21 loci exhibited polymorphism (2?C8 alleles/locus). Both gecko populations were in Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium. Our preliminary screen detected significant population structure at a small scale (650?m). Therefore, these markers will be useful to assess dispersal at varying geographic ranges.     

Characterization of 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for White-breasted mesites (Mesitornis variegata)

We characterized 10 specific microsatellite loci for White-breasted mesites (Mesitornis variegata), an endemic bird species from western Madagascar. Nine loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, and we detected 4–10 alleles per locus (mean = 6.1). These primers will be used to study the mating system and social organization of White-breasted mesites and may have applications for the conservation of the few remaining populations of this vulnerable and still poorly studied species.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the invasive plant Lantana camara L.

Lantana camara is a highly invasive plant that has established itself in at least 60 different countries across the world. Here, we report development of ten microsatellite markers for this species. These microsatellite loci have 2?C15 alleles per locus; with observed and expected heterozygosity of 0.022?C0.833 and 0.336?C0.848, respectively. These markers will be useful in addressing a variety of questions about Lantana camara, including those concerning breeding system, pollination and dispersal, genetic variation and population structure.     

Characterization of twenty-four polymorphic microsatellite loci of Rasbora borapetensis

Twenty-four microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized from the genome of Rasbora borapetensis. Flanking polymerase chain reaction primers were designed and used to amplify these loci in 32 individuals. All loci were polymorphic with allele numbers ranging from 2 to 27, observed heterozygosity from 0.031 to 1.000 and expected heterozygosity from 0.031 to 0.965. All loci conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no evidence of null alleles was observed. Pairwise comparisons between alleles did not detect any linkage disequilibrium. The high level of polymorphisms observed in these microsatellite loci will enhance future investigations on the genetic differentiation and structure of populations of Rasbora borapetensis.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus)

Nine microsatellite loci were identified in the western rock lobster (Panulirus cygnus) using two different methods. The first method involved the screening of a small, fragment, partial genomic library with a radioactive (CA)₆ probe. The second method, was based upon an enrichment method and used biotinylated, tetranucleotide microsatellite oligonucleotide capture probes. The nine loci described are all very polymorphic, with 11 to 34 alleles observed for each locus and heterozygosities ranging from 0.58 to 0.86. These microsatellite loci will be useful in analysing both the population structure and the mating systems used by this species and will add important information for the management of the wild stocks of this economically important species.     

Isolation and characterization of 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the surf clam (Mactra veneriformis)

Eighteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Mactra veneriformis using a microsatellite-enriched genomic library. The number of alleles per microsatellite locus ranged from 2 to 20, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.286 to 1.000 and from 0.264 to 0.936, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be useful for further studies on the population structure and genetic variation of this species.     

Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci of Pityopsis graminifolia var. latifolia

Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Small var. latifolia (Fern.) Semple is an herbaceous perennial that grows in close proximity to the federally endangered species P. ruthii (Small) Small. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified from 87 samples of P. graminifolia var. latifolia and additionally characterized with P. ruthii and P. falcata samples. Alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 21. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.077 to 0.106 and Shannon’s Information Index ranged from 0.135 to 0.244. These microsatellite loci can be used to study genetic diversity and population diversity of P. graminifolia var. latifolia and its relationship to other Pityopsis species.     

Characterization and PCR multiplexing of 14 new polymorphic microsatellite loci for the invasive subantarctic carabid Merizodus soledadinus (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Seventeen novel microsatellite markers were characterized from an enriched DNA library for the invasive carabid beetle Merizodus soledadinus. Loci were tested, as parts of two multiplex sets in 48 M. soledadinus from 2 populations. 14 loci gave reliable amplification, and genetic diversity ranged from 2 to 6 alleles per locus. In other species of the supertribe trechitae, 8 loci reliably amplified in Eotachys bistriatus, whereas all failed for Trechisibus antarcticus and Trechus obtusus.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci from yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) have been isolated using the fast isolation by AFLP of sequences containing repeats (FIASCO) protocol. These loci were characterized by genotyping 40 individuals. The observed number of alleles ranged from 4 to 11 with an average of 6.2 of each loci. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.125 to 0.925 and from 0.648 to 0.877, respectively. Among these polymorphic microsatellite loci, eight-ones conformed to Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. All microsatellites were in linkage equilibrium. These microsatellite markers would be useful for investigating the genetic diversity and population structure of yellow catfish.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris

Nine polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in the ant Crematogaster scutellaris from Italy. Allelic variation was tested for individuals collected from 26 nests in an olive grove in Tuscany, where ant–homopteran mutualistic interactions are under study to control damages to the olive crop. Allelic diversity was 12.4 and the number of alleles per locus ranged from 8 to 17. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.826 (range, 0.760–0.923) and 0.829 (range, 0.736–0.869), respectively. This novel set of loci will be used to assess population structure, dispersal strategies and mating system of C. scutellaris, and in particular to determine genetic relationships among individuals engaged in intraspecific conflicts.     

Twenty polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from the four-eyed turtle (Sacalia quadriocellata)

Twenty polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from the four-eyed turtle, Sacalia quadriocellata with a partial genomic library enriched for tandem repeat sequences of (CA)₁₂ and (GA)₁₂. Polymorphism was investigated for these markers in 22 individuals collected from Guangdong Provincial Wildlife Rescue Center in Guangzhou, China. The allele number ranged from 4 to 13 per locus, with the average of 8. The observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.300 to 0.947 with an average of 0.635 and 0.317 to 0.909 with an average of 0.771 respectively. Exact tests for HWE revealed that 10 of 20 loci significantly deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction. Only one pair of loci (SYB56 and SYB81) showed significant linkage disequilibrium. These microsatellite loci will be useful for population genetics, ecology and determining the conservation status of imperiled populations in Sacalia quadriocellata.     

Characterization of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in Chorocaris sp. (Crustacea, Caridea, Alvinocarididae) from deep-sea hydrothermal vents

Species in the genus Chorocaris are caridean shrimp found at deep-sea hydrothermal vents at mid-ocean spreading centers. Nine unlinked polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for this Chorocaris sp. 2 from the Manus back-arc basin, southwest Pacific. Three loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Average observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.17 to 0.74 (mean H_O = 0.45, SD = 0.21). Eight out of nine loci cross-amplified in one or two additional species of alvinocaridid shrimp that co-occur with Chorocaris sp. 2 at western Pacific vent habitats. The efficacy of our markers to detect genetic population structure is demonstrated using 362 individuals from 3 sites in Manus Basin. Microsatellites developed for Chorocaris sp. 2 are being deployed to study connectivity among populations of this species colonizing geographically discrete back-arc basin vent systems.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for golden mouse using an enrichment protocol. The markers were tested on 37 golden mouse specimens collected from southern Illinois. Numbers of alleles ranged from 3 to 11 with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.29 to 0.92. Three of the loci exhibit nominally significant excesses of homozygosity, but none were significant following a correction for multiple tests. None of the loci appear to be linked. Although golden mouse is not considered at risk in the core of its range, peripheral populations in several states are considered threatened or otherwise at risk due to low population densities. Because of the evolutionary distinctiveness of Ochrotomys, species-specific primers are needed to identify patterns of gene flow among core and peripheral populations.     

Development of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Lithocarpus harlandii (Fagaceae)

Evergreen broadleaved forests (EBLFs) are the most important vegetation type in subtropical China, but suffer from rapid decline by anthropogenic disturbances and notoriously exacerbated environment. Genetic information of Lithocarpus harlandii (Hance) Rehd. (Fagaceae), one of the main constructive species in subtropical EBLFs, is crucial to the conservation and management of these forests. We developed 12 microsatellite loci from its nuclear genome to provide efficient markers for analyzing the population genetic diversity and differentiation and thereby for designing appropriate conservation strategies. These loci were tested in three L. harlandii populations. The numbers of alleles per locus varied from 3 to 13. The observed and expected heterozygosities within populations were 0.379–0.967 and 0.406–0.849, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium was detected among loci. These polymorphic microsatellites will be useful for biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Salminus hilarii (Characiformes: Characidae)

Salminus hilarii is a carnivorous fish species which inhabits different drainages in the Neotropical region. Despite the absence of this species in the commercial freshwater fishery, it plays an important role in the food chain, keeping the ecological balance in the freshwater ecosystems. We isolated 9 polymorphic microsatellite markers with alleles varying between 6 and 17 per locus in a test population of 20 individuals. Two loci (Sh49 and Sh65) showed significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05). No significant linkage disequilibrium between pairs of loci was found. These loci will provide useful molecular markers to assess genetic variability of wild and captive populations used in stocking programs.     

Characterization and cross-species amplification of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Liobagrus marginatoides

Liobagrus marginatoides is endemic to the upper Yangtze River basin in China. By using the fast isolation by amplified fragment length polymorphism of sequences containing repeats protocol, we identified eleven microsatellite loci in a wild population. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 10. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.3258 to 1.000 and from 0.6506 to 0.8712, respectively. Cross-amplification was tested in related species L. nigricauda, L. marginalus and L. kingi.     

Characterization and cross-species amplification of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Xenophysogobio boulengeri

The ray-finned fish Xenophysogobio boulengeri is endemic to the upper Yangtze River basin in China. By using the Fast Isolation by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism of Sequences Containing repeats protocol, we identified fourteen microsatellite loci in a wild population. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 15. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.125 to 1 and from 0.122 to 0.925, respectively. Cross-amplification was tested in related species X. nudicorpa and Gobiobotia filifer.     

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in Wiebesia pumilae (Hill) (Agaonidae)

Pollinating fig wasps and their hosts establish a paradise for coevolution and sex ratio studies. High polymorphic molecular markers would be a great assistance for such studies. We developed 15 microsatellite markers from Wiebesia pumilae, the obligate pollinator of Ficus pumila, and estimated the polymorphism with 22 individual wasps from Yongjia County, Zhejiang of China. A total of 74 alleles were detected in the 15 loci and the alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 9. The observed (H _O ) and expected (H _E ) heterozygosities were 0.190–0.727 and 0.483–0.831, respectively. Significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was found at seven loci due to heterozygote deficits. No locus pair showed significant linkage disequilibrium. These microsatellite markers will provide a useful tool for studying the genetic structure of W. pumilae, and its coevolution with the host F. pumila.     

Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers isolated from Dendrobenthamia japonica var. chinensis (Cornaceae)

Dendrobenthamia japonica var. chinensis is an evergreen, broad-leaved, woody species of the Cornaceae family. Here we isolated 14 codominant compound microsatellite markers from D. japonica var. chinensis using an improved technique. Overall, the number of alleles ranged from 2 to 13, with an average of 7.21 alleles per locus. These markers would be the useful tools for analysing questions concerning population genetic structure and genetic diversity of D. japonica var. chinensis.