SREL Reprint #3117
Cross-species amplification of microsatellites in crocodilians: assessment and applications for the future
Lee G. Miles1, Stacey L. Lance2, Sally R. Isberg1,3,
Chris Moran1, and Travis C. Glenn2,4
1Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Room 513, RMC Gunn Building,
Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA
3Porosus Pty Ltd, PO Box 86, Palmerston, NT 0831, Australia
4Department of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
Abstract: Microsatellite DNA loci have emerged as the dominant genetic tool for addressing questions associated with genetic diversity in many wildlife species, including crocodilians. Despite their usefulness, their isolation and development can be costly, as well as labour intensive, limiting their wider use in many crocodilian species. In this study, we investigate the cross-species amplification success of 82 existing microsatellites previously isolated for the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in 18 non-target crocodilian species; Alligator sinensis, Caiman crocodylus, Caiman latirostris, Caiman yacare, Melanosuchus niger, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, Crocodylus acutus, Mecistops cataphractus, Crocodylus intermedius, Crocodylus johnstoni, Crocodylus mindorensis, Crocodylus moreletii, Crocodylus niloticus, Crocodylus novaeguineae, Crocodylus palustis, Crocodylus rhombifer, Crocodylus siamensis, and Osteolaemus tetraspis. Our results show a high level of microsatellites crossamplification making available polymorphic markers for a range of crocodilian species previously lacking informative genetic markers.
Key words: Crocodile, Crocodilian, Microsatellites, Cross-species amplification
SREL Reprint #3117
Miles, L. G., S. L. Lance, S. R. Isberg, C. Moran, and T. C. Glenn. 2009. Cross-species amplification of microsatellites in crocodilians: assessment and applications for the future. Conservation Genetics 2009(10): 935-954.
This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).