Isolation and characterization of sixteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Western Spadefoot, Pelobates cultripes (Anura: Pelobatidae) via 454 pyrosequencing

The Western Spadefoot, Pelobates cultripes (Anura, Pelobatidae), is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and southeastern France, with isolated populations in the Atlantic coast of France. Its populations are fragmented and it is considered Near Threatened by the IUCN. Here we describe the development of sixteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in this species. Polymorphism was assessed in 95 individuals from five Iberian populations. The number of alleles and expected heterozygosity ranged from 3 to 14 and 0.20 to 0.76, respectively. Eight loci cross-amplified in the closely related and Endangered Moroccan Spadefoot toad, Pelobates varaldii. These markers will be useful to address questions about the ecology, population genetics and evolutionary history of P. cultripes, including information on effective population size, habitat use and dispersal patterns, which are essential for the efficient management of the fragmented populations characteristic of most of its range.     

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa

Twenty-seven nuclear-encoded microsatellites were isolated from an enriched genomic library of yellowfin grouper, Mycteroperca venenosa, and characterized in 24 individuals. The microsatellites include 17 dinucleotide repeats, eight trinucleotide repeats (one imperfect), one tetranucleotide repeat, and one pentanucleotide repeat. Yellowfin grouper are susceptible to fishing pressure targeted towards their spawning aggregations; data pertaining to stock structure and levels of genetic variability will aid in future management of this species.     

New tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) isolated via 454 pyrosequencing

Microsatellite loci were developed for the pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata) via 454 high-throughput sequencing. From 193 tetranucleotide repeats identified from 77.5?Mb of sequence, we tested 80 loci and successfully amplified and scored 18 microsatellite markers. All loci were polymorphic with number of alleles ranging from 5 to 21. Average observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.745 and 0.844, respectively. Three loci deviated from Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium, two of which had significant deficits of heterozygotes and only one displayed statistical evidence of a null allele. None of the loci exhibited linkage disequilibrium. These loci are a valuable asset for fine-scale population genetic and paternity studies centered on the conservation and management of pink abalone.     

Fourteen novel microsatellite loci in the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) isolated via 454 pyrosequencing

The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is one of the most endangered crocodilians in the world. In this study, 14 novel microsatellite loci were developed for this rare species via 454 high-throughput sequencing. These polymorphic microsatellites yielded an average of 2.93 alleles per locus among 40 individuals scored. The observed and expected heterozygosities (H _O and H _E ) ranged from 0.025 to 0.975 and from 0.025 to 0.651, with averages of 0.439 and 0.426, respectively. These microsatellite markers will be useful for individual identification, mate choice for captive breeding and other relevant genetic investigations of Chinese alligator.     

Isolation of microsatellite markers from tiger grouper (Mycteroperca tigris) and characterization in yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa), coney (Cephalopholis fulva), and red hind (Epinephelus guttatus)

Thirty-six microsatellite markers were isolated from an enriched genomic library of tiger grouper (Mycteroperca tigris) and characterized in 20 individuals each for yellowfin grouper (Mycteroperca venenosa), coney (Cephalopholis fulva), and red hind (Epinephelus guttatus). The microsatellites include 23 dinucleotide repeats, twelve trinucleotide repeats, and one tetranucleotide repeat. The microsatellites characterized in this study will be useful for further evaluation of population-genetic indices in the economically important subfamily Epinephelinae.     

Isolation and characterization of 15 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis, Baird and Girard) by 454 pyrosequencing

New microsatellite loci were developed for the Desert iguana (Dipsosaurus dorsalis) through GS-FLX 454 pyrosequencing. We selected 15 primer pairs that were tested on 23 individuals from San Isidro area in the southern part of Baja California Peninsula. We observed low to medium genetic variation among loci (mean number of alleles per locus = 7, mean H_O = 0.696). These loci are the first characterized for D. dorsalis and they are expected to be useful for population level studies in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of fifteen novel microsatellite loci in golden mandarin fish (Siniperca scherzeri) Steindachne

We described the isolation and characterization of 15 new microsatellite loci from golden mandarin fish, Siniperca scherzeri. The analysis of variability was performed in 34 individuals. Allelic diversity ranged from 2 to 7 alleles per locus, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.294 to 1.000 and 0.261 to 0.740, respectively. Seven loci deviated significantly from Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction, and no significant linkage disequilibrium were found among 15 pairs of loci following the Bonferroni correction. These are the first microsatellite markers characterized from the S. scherzeri. We expect these microsatellite markers to be useful for population genetic studies in this species.     

Isolation and characterization of fifteen polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi Regan is an important endemic fish in Tibet, China. Its wild population has been rapidly declining for the past few decades due to overfishing, dam construction and invasion of exotic fishes. To conserve natural resources and develop breeding stocks of S. younghusbandi, fifteen polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in 45 individuals collected from the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 6 to 32 with an average of 17.87. The expected heterozygosity and Shannon–Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.454 to 0.951 and from 0.931 to 3.201, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be useful for future population genetic analysis and resource conservation of S. younghusbandi.     

Isolation and characterization of fifteen microsatellite loci for the giant clam Hippopus hippopus (family Tridacnidae)

Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Hippopus hippopus in order to assess the effectiveness of population replenishment within marine protected areas in New Caledonia. Number of alleles varied from 2 to 11 per locus, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.300 to 0.866 and 0.495 to 0.858 respectively. Significant deviations from HWE were detected in two loci. Cross-amplifications were tested in four other species of Tridacnidae.     

Isolation and characterization of 17 tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the Mexican golden trout (Oncorhynchus chrysogaster, Needham & Gard 1964) derived from 454 pyrosequencing

We present seventeen microsatellite loci developed for the Mexican golden trout Oncorhynchus chrysogaster through GS-FLX 454 pyrosequencing. We selected 34 primer pairs tested on 19 trout specimens from The Rio Verde (Rio Fuerte Bain) and we tested cross amplification on 35 trout specimens collected in seven hydrological basins from the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra San Pedro Mártir, as well as five hatchery reared Oncorhynchus mykiss. We observed medium and high genetic variation among loci (mean number of alleles per locus = 8.0, SD = 2.92; mean H _O  = 0.65, SD = 0.27). These loci are the first to be characterized explicitly for O. chrysogaster and they are expected to be useful for population studies in this species and as reference for species delimitation.     

Isolation and characterization of fifteen microsatellite loci for the giant clam Tridacna maxima

Conservation Genetics Resources - Fifteen polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for Tridacna maxima in order to assess self-recruitment and larval dispersal within and among MPAs in New...     

Isolation and characterization of fifteen microsatellite loci from the endangered pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Cervidae)

Ozotoceros bezoarticus is categorized as Threatened in Argentina. In this study, we report 15 microsatellite loci??in the Argentinian populations, 12 are polymorphic and 3 monomorphic??isolated from a dinucleotide enriched genomic library. Among 59 individuals sampled from the four remaining populations in Argentina, the mean number of alleles was 7.58, the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.33 to 0.88 and the observed heterozygosity from 0.08 to 0.83. Three loci showed deviation from Hardy?CWeinberg equilibrium. Some of the loci showed linkage disequilibrium, although there was no coincident pattern for this parameter in all populations. The primers reported here constitute the first specific set for the species, and their use will be invaluable to generate the necessary information on genetic diversity in order to help conservation plans.     

Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus

Plectropomus leopardus is an important commercial fish in South-East Asia. To date, there is little genetic information available about its population structure. In this study, 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for this species and characterized in 182 wild individuals. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.236 to 0.912 and from 0.649 to 0.866, respectively. No linkage disequilibrium was detected between loci, and four loci were found to significantly depart from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These polymorphic microsatellite markers are valuable for relative studies of population genetics.     

Characterization of nine microsatellite loci from the endangered southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) using 454 pyrosequencing

Nine polymorphic microsatellite markers were developed for a nationally endangered marsupial, the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) using a next generation sequencing approach. The nine markers were genotyped in 59 individuals from two distinct locations (the Mt Burr Range and the Mt Lofty Ranges) in South Australia. All loci showed Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium with the exception of one locus in the Mt Lofty population, possibly because of null alleles. No evidence of linkage disequilibrium was detected. These markers will provide valuable resources for future projects on the conservation genetics of southern brown bandicoots in Australia.     

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.     

Characterization of 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers for seven-band grouper Epinephelus septemfasciatus developed using a 454 pyrosequencing approach

Seven-band grouper, Epinephelus septemfasciatus, is of considerable economic value and a candidate species of aquaculture in Eastern Asia. It is necessary to monitor the stocks for the sustainable use and aquaculture of the species. Monitoring genetic variation among marine resources necessitates the development of genetic markers. Here, we report 22 polymorphic microsatellite markers with 2–16 alleles per locus. The mean observed and expected heterozygosity per locus was 0.53 and 0.57, respectively. Cross-amplification revealed variability in Epinephelus bruneus and Epinephelus akaara. The 22 markers developed can be a valuable tool for genetic conservation of this species.     

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 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.