Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellites loci in the freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

As one of the major freshwater gastropod species, genetic diversity analysis of Bellamya was totally blank. Fifteen microsatellites loci were isolated and characterized from the freshwater snail Bellamya aeruginosa (Reeve, 1863). Most of the 15 loci had successful amplification and high polymorphic information content value (PIC), which ranged from 0.3174 to 0.8886 (average 0.7074). Allele number per locus ranged from 5 to 12 (average 8.4), the expected heterozygosity (H _E ) and observed heterozygosity (H _O ) varied from 0.6674 to 0.9073 and 0.0714 to 0.9130 with an average of 0.7985 and 0.6779, respectively. Six loci showed significant deviation from Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium (HWE) after Bonferroni correction (P?<?0.0034) and no significant genotypic linkage disequilibrium was detected between most of locus pair, except for eight locus pairs. These fifteen polymorphic microsatellites loci would be precious for population genetics analysis and species identification of Bellamya.     

Development and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the faucet snail, Bithynia tentaculata (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Bithyniidae)

Bithynia tentaculata (Linnaeus, 1758), a snail native to Europe, was introduced into the US Great Lakes in the 1870’s and has spread to rivers throughout the Northeastern US and Upper Mississippi River (UMR). Trematode parasites, for which B. tentaculata is a host, have also been introduced and are causing widespread waterfowl mortality in the UMR. Waterfowl mortality is caused by ingestion of trematode-infected B. tentaculata or insects infected with parasites released from the snails. We isolated and characterized 17 microsatellite loci from the invasive faucet snail, B. tentaculata (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Bithyniidae). Loci were screened in 24 individuals of B. tentaculata. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 6, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.050 to 0.783, and the probability of identity values ranged from 0.10 to 0.91. These new loci provide tools for examining the origin and spread of invasive populations in the US and management activities to prevent waterfowl mortality.     

Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci in the land snail Humboldtiana durangoensis (Solem, 1954)

Eight polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci were isolated for the three banded land snail (Humboldtiana durangoensis). Genetic diversity was assessed using 29 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 10. Mean observed heterozygosity (Ho?=?0.408) was lower than the expected Heterozygosity (Ho?=?0.757) as have been found in other land snails.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the Ussuri mamushi (Gloydius ussuriensis)

The Ussuri mamushi (Gloydius ussuriensis) is especially adapted to low temperature environments in the high latitude area and it is classified as least concern according to the China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals. In this study, ten microsatellite loci were isolated from G. ussuriensis. These markers revealed a high degree of genetic diversity (4–13 alleles per locus) and heterozygosity (H _O ranged from 0.205 to 0.848, and H _E ranged from 0.317 to 0.874). No locus exhibited significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There was no evidence of linkage disequilibrium among pairs of loci. These microsatellite markers will facilitate studies that address conservation of the species, such as gene flow, population structure and evolutionary history.     

Isolation and characterization of 11 microsatellite loci in Schizothorax wangchiachii (Fang)

72 microsatellite loci were isolated from a (GATA)₈ enriched genomic library of Schizothorax wangchiachii (Fang), an endemic fish species in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. A population of 32 wild captured individuals of this species was tested by these 72 primer pairs developed, 11 pairs of which exhibited polymorphic. The number of observed alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.344 to 0.875 and from 0.289 to 0.875, respectively. No significant linkage disequilibrium was detected among the loci. One loci showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and none was detected in linkage equilibrium. These microsatellite loci described for S. wangchiachii will be useful for future study on population structure, breeding, and conservation studies.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi)

Eight microsatellite markers were developed via pyrosequencing for the blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi). These microsatellite loci and microsatellite loci from two cross species markers displayed two to four alleles with an expected heterozygosity range between 0.2899 and 0.6268 and an observed heterozygosity between 0.2083 and 0.6667. The high level of polymorphisms observed in the microsatellite markers indicates that they can be used to strongly improve our knowledge of the genetic structure and relatedness of these animals.     

Isolation and characterization of 23 microsatellite loci in the Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)

Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus) is a second class state-protected animal in China. In this study, we developed twenty-three polymorphic microsatellite loci in Chinese sucker. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.292–0.958 to 0.423–0.900, respectively. The polymorphic information content ranged from 0.356 to 0.869, with a mean of 0.710. These microsatellite loci are expected to be useful for further studies of genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and assessments of the artificial propagation release effect of Chinese sucker.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii)

Blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) are socially monogamous, colonial seabirds exhibiting intra-specific nest parasitism and extra-pair copulations. Prior DNA fingerprinting assays failed to detect extra-pair offspring in the nests of congeners, and the rate of intra-specific nest parasitism has not been estimated using molecular techniques. We describe the development and characterization of 11 microsatellite DNA loci, tested using 31 individuals collected on Isla Isabel, Nayarit, México. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 22, averaging seven; total exclusionary power of the microsatellite panel was 0.99; no loci deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium; and we did not detect linkage disequilibrium following Bonferroni correction. This microsatellite panel will facilitate future studies of nest parasitism and extra-pair paternity in blue-footed boobies.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 microsatellite loci in Acrossocheilus labiatus Regan (Cyprinidae)

Acrossocheilus labiatus Regan occurs in the clear mountain streams in the east of Asia. Eighteen microsatellite loci were isolated from A. labiatus and fifteen loci were polymorphic observed in 30 samples tested. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 10. The polymorphism information content varied from 0.090 to 0.825. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.069 to 0.900 and from 0.067 to 0.844, respectively. Although significant deviations from Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium were detected for three loci (HC-G11-1, HC-C3-3 and HC-G8-1, P?<?0.01), no significant deviations were detected for other twelve loci (P?>?0.05). These microsatellite loci will be useful for the further study of population genetic analysis and subsequently provide important genetic data for the conservation and recovery of the A. labiatus resources.     

Isolation and characterization of species-specific microsatellite loci in African penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

Eight microsatellite markers were developed via pyrosequencing of a microsatellite-enriched library for the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus). These microsatellite loci displayed 2–6 alleles with expected heterozygosity values ranging between 0.316 and 0.782 and observed heterozygosity between 0.381 and 0.84. These loci may be suitable for assessing patterns of genetic variability in African penguin. This is the first development of species-specific markers for the African penguin.     

Isolation and characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Illicium verum (Schisandraceae)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Illicium verum, a member of the basal angiosperms. The observed number of alleles per locus ranged from two to nine. The observed and expected heterozygosity varied from 0.10 to 1.00 and 0.097 to 0.85, respectively. Twelve loci were screened in cross-amplification tests for three other Illicium species, in which all loci were successfully amplified. These newly developed microsatellite markers could provide a useful tool for the ongoing efforts in studying the population genetic variation of I. verum, which will facilitate formulation of appropriate strategies for conservation and sustainable utilization of star anise and its congeneric species.     

Isolation and characterization of species-specific microsatellite loci in red-billed oxpeckers (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)

Ten microsatellite markers were developed via pyrosequencing for the red-billed oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus). These microsatellite loci displayed 3?C15 alleles with expected heterozygosity values ranging between 0.580 and 0.907 and observed heterozygosity between 0.509 and 0.870. The high level of polymorphisms observed in the microsatellite markers supports future investigations to improve our knowledge of the genetic structure and relatedness of these birds. This is the first development of species specific markers for the red-billed oxpecker.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in Jinshaia sinensis

In this study, we isolated and characterized thirteen polymorphic microsatellite markers for Jinshaia sinensis, a fish species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China. Each locus was screened in a population of 48 individuals. Number of alleles per locus ranged between five and nineteen. Observed heterozygosity ranged between 0.121 and 0.854, and expected heterozygosity between 0.722 and 0.928. No significant linkage disequilibrium was found between pairs of loci. However, three loci showed significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and four loci had evidence of null alleles. These markers presented here will be valuable tools to understand the genetic structure of J. sinensis populations in the Yangtze River.     

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.     

Isolation and characterization of eight novel microsatellite loci in the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)

We describe the isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci from the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus). Genetic variability was assessed using 60 individuals from three populations. All loci were variable with the number of alleles ranging from two to 17 per locus, and observed heterozygosity varying from 0.05 to 0.89. No loci showed signs of linkage disequilibrium and all loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium frequencies. Further, all loci amplified and were polymorphic in two related Phalacrocorax species. These loci should prove useful for population genetic studies of the double-crested cormorant and other pelecaniform species.     

Isolation and characterization of 21 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis)

Twenty one polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Japanese dace (Tribolodon hakonensis) were isolated and characterized. The number of observed alleles per locus in 32 individuals ranged from 3 to 30. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.125 to 0.969 and from 0.175 to 0.973, respectively. All loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, no linkage disequilibrium was observed between pairs of loci and no loci showed evidence of null alleles. These microsatellite loci will be useful for investigating the intraspecific genetic variation and population structure of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the dark sleeper (Odontobutis yaluensis)

Conservation Genetics Resources - Twenty polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for Odontobutis yaluensis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, and the...     

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.     

Isolation and characterization of tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus)

The seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus; SESP) includes seven extant subspecies ranging from the northeastern coast of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Genetic diversity of SESP may be impacted since coastal marsh habitats are highly fragmented, thereby limiting gene flow among adjacent populations. Genetic analysis of SESP populations will provide insight for development of conservation and management strategies for the species. We describe development and characterization of 11 novel microsatellite markers for SESP. These loci will be useful for individual identification as well as studies of fine-scale genetic relatedness within populations and subspecies of SESP.     

Isolation and characterization of twelve microsatellite loci for the Japanese Devilray (Mobula japanica)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellites loci were characterized for Mobula japanica (Japanese Devilray) using an enrichment protocol. All but two loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with no evidence of linkage disequilibrium or null-alleles for a sample of 40 individuals from two populations. The number of alleles varied from 5 to 28. Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.2332 to 0.9589, making these microsatellite loci good candidates for population genetic studies.