Isolation and characterization of eleven polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci for Quasipaa boulengeri (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

We isolated and characterized eleven polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci in the spiny-bellied frog (Quasipaa boulengeri). The loci were screened in 62 individuals from two natural populations. All loci were variable, with the number of alleles ranging from 8 to 26. The average observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.500 to 0.947 and from 0.735 to 0.932, respectively. Two loci were found to be significant departure from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no significant linkage disequilibrium was detected after sequential Bonferroni corrections. These polymorphic loci will be useful for conservation and population genetics studies of this threated species.     

Isolation and characterization of 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and cross-species amplification

Fourteen microsatellites were isolated and characterized from a small-insert genomic DNA library from the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea enriched for dinucleotide microsatellite motifs. We tested primers on 207 leatherbacks sampled from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Primer pairs yielded an average of 5.7 alleles per locus, an average observed heterozygosity of 0.47, and average polymorphic information content of 0.43. Cross species amplification of these markers was performed on the six other extant species of marine turtles: olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and flatback (Natator depressus) turtles. Eleven of the markers worked in at least one of the species, and seven of these were polymorphic. These leatherback-specific microsatellite markers will facilitate population genetic and ecological studies to aid in the conservation of this divergent species of marine turtle, and provide additional markers for the other species of cheloniids.     

Isolation and characterization of twelve novel polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Branchiostoma belcheri Gray (Amphioxus)

Branchiostoma belcheri Gray is an endangered species. A set of twelve novel polymorphic microsatellite loci was developed in B. belcheri Gray. The polymorphism of these loci was tested on a population of thirty individuals from Xiamen, China. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 7. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.309 to 0.778. The levels of expected and observed heterozygosities varied from 0.2449 to 0.7825, and from 0.1786 to 0.8571, respectively. Three loci (WCY4-22, WCY4-39, WCY5-17) deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci would contribute to population genetic studies and conservation of B. belcheri Gray.     

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 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 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.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci primers for Cupressus funebris (Cupressaceae)

Cupressus funebris Endl. (Cupressaceae) is an endemic conifer species in central and eastern China. In order to investigate the genetic diversity within and between populations and design the effective conservation strategies, we aimed to develop microsatellite markers for this species in the present study. We isolated and characterized 12 novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for this species through the combined biotin capture method. Polymorphism of each locus was further assessed through 62 individuals from three geographically distant populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 12. The observed and expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.115 to 0.396, and 0.204 to 0.542, respectively. One locus (Cf07) showed significant deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and no Linkage disequilibrium was detected after Bonferroni corrections. These microsatellite markers will be useful for population genetics studies of this conifer species.     

Isolation and characterization of eleven microsatellite loci in the marbled rockfish,Sebastiscus marmoratus (Scorpaenidae)

The marbled rockfish, Sebastiscus marmoratus, is an important commercially near-shore fish inhabiting littoral rocky bottoms from Japan to the East China Sea. Eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from S. marmoratus and the polymorphism of these loci was observed in 32 samples from one wild population. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 8. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.155 to 0.752. The levels of the observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.186–0.969 and 0.170–0.782, respectively. Only one locus (Sm3-63) deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite markers can provide a useful tool for further study on genetic diversity and conservation of S. marmoratus.     

Isolation and characterization of 28 polymorphic microsatellite loci in black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)

This study reports the isolation and characterization of 28 polymorphic microsatellite loci developed from black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus), which is an important freshwater fish in China. The polymorphism was assessed with 32 individuals. Results showed that the numbers of loci alleles ranged from 2 to 19, and the values of observed and expected heterozygosities were from 0.2609 to 1.0000 and from 0.2417 to 0.9385, respectively. These markers are potentially useful for black carp population genetics analysis.     

Isolation and characterization of 24 polymorphic microsatellite loci in Japanese sillago (Sillago japonica)

Twenty-four dinucleotide microsatellite DNA markers were developed for a commercially important fish, Japanese sillago (Sillago japonica). Loci were screened in 24 individuals from Laizhou Bay, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 7 to 24, and the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.333 to 0.913 and from 0.744 to 0.963, respectively. These microsatellites will facilitate the study of population-level variability (the genetic diversity and population structure) of S. japonica.     

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 nine polymorphic microsatellite loci in the northern crayfish (Orconectes virilis)

Nine novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from Orconectes virilis and characterized in 46 individuals from two major rivers in Alberta, Canada. Number of alleles per locus per site ranged from 1 to 5. Observed and expected heterozygosity per site ranged from 0.000 to 0.900 and 0.000 to 0.740, respectively. All nine microsatellite loci conformed to expectations of Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibrium. These markers will be useful in the study of movement patterns, genetic diversity, and population structure of native and invading O. virilis.     

Isolation and characterization of fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum)

Ruditapes philippinarum is a commercially important mollusk species, but has been suffering from severe population decline due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction in China. In this study, fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in R. philippinarum. The number of alleles per polymorphic microsatellite locus ranged from 2 to 6, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.036 to 0.688 and from 0.280 to 0.733, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be useful for further studies on the population structure and genetic variation of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from Silurus Lanzhouensis

Silurus Lanzhouensis is an endangered freshwater fish endemic to Ningxia, Gansu and Shaanxi province of China. Here we describe a first set of 12 polymorphic Silurus Lanzhouensis microsatellite loci. The observed numbers of alleles ranged from 2 to 7. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.3279 to 0.8438 and from 0.4021 to 0.8410, respectively. These microsatellite markers are useful for population and conservation genetic studies in S. Lanzhouensis.     

Isolation and characterization of nineteen novel polymorphic microsatellite loci for the northern snakehead Channa argus

Channa argus is one of the most important economic fish species in China. However, there is limited genetic information on its population structure and genetic diversity. Nineteen novel polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in 42 individuals from one natural population collected from the Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 18 with an average of 11.16. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.214 to 1.000 and from 0.630 to 0.923, respectively. The average polymorphic information content value was 0.814. Among these polymorphic microsatellites, eleven loci conformed to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci are currently being used to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of C. argus and will contribute to the effective conservation and rational utilization of genetic resources of this species.     

Isolation and characterization of twenty-three polymorphic microsatellite loci in Schizothorax macropogon

Twenty-three polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from Schizothorax macropogon and were characterized in 42 individuals collected from the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 32 with an average of 20.17. The expected heterozygosity and Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.709 to 0.951 and from 1.421 to 3.183, respectively. These microsatellite loci will be valuable for the evaluation of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of S. macropogon.     

Isolation and characterization of twenty-four polymorphic microsatellite loci in Oxygymnocypris stewartii

Twenty-four polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from Oxygymnocypris stewartii and were characterized in 42 individuals collected from the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, China. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 to 24 with an average of 12.542. The expected heterozygosity and Shannon-Wiener diversity index ranged from 0.731 to 0.932 and from 1.342 to 2.887, respectively. These polymorphic loci will be available for the evaluation of genetic diversity and population genetic structure of O. stewartii.     

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.