Microsatellite Analysis of Genetic Variation in Sturgeon: New Primer Sequences forScaphirhynchusandAcipenser

Abstract

Low levels of genetic variation at traditional molecular markers have hampered genetic research within the family Acipenseridae. In an effort to develop a large set of polymorphic genetic markers, 172 clones were sequenced from three subgenomic libraries of shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus; the libraries were enriched for two dinucleotide and one tetranucleotide microsatellite motifs (CA, GA, and TAGA). Primers were designed for 113 of the sequences and tested against shovelnose sturgeon, pallid sturgeon S. albus, white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus, lake sturgeon A. fulvescens, and green sturgeon A. medirostris. Of the 113 primer sets tested, 96% amplified in one or more species (58 dimeric and 50 tetrameric). In Scaphirhynchus species, 93% of all loci amplified, and 76% were polymorphic. Within the individual Acipenser species, 65–80% of loci amplified, with 42–58% being polymorphic. Polymorphic systems for Scaphirhynchus species predominately displayed simple, disomic banding patterns, while those for Acipenser species typically displayed banding patterns characteristic of tetraploid or higher polyploid levels. These new microsatellite loci provide a group of genetic markers that are detectable with noninvasive sampling and that should prove useful in the preservation of threatened and endangered sturgeon species worldwide.

First evidence of hybridization between endangered sterlets (Acipenser ruthenus) and exotic Siberian sturgeons (Acipenser baerii) in the Danube River

“…Allele lengths and distribution were determined for nine microsatellites: Afu19, Afu34, Afu39, Afu68 (May et al 1997); Spl101, Spl105; Spl173 (McQuown et al 2000); Aox23, Aox45 (King et al 2001). PCR was performed in a total volume of 25 ll, containing 1 U Taq DNA polymerase, 10 pmol of each primer, about 10-50 ng DNA, 100 lM of each dNTP, 2.5 mm MgCl 2 and 2.5 ll 10 9 incubation buffer.…”

Microsatellite DNA Variation in the Siberian Sturgeon, <I>Acipenser Baeri</I> (Actinopterygii, Acipenseriformes, Acipenseridae), Cultured in a Polish Fish Farm

“…The knowledge of the genetic structure of spawning populations is important for maintaining genetic diversity of a broodstock of the Siberian sturgeon while it is reared. The most reliable method for studying gene diversity in broodstock is application of microsatellite DNA analysis (May et al 1997, McQuown et al 2000, King et al 2001, Pyatskowit et al 2001, Fopp-Bayat et al 2004, Fopp-Bayat 2007.…”

Isolation of microsatellite loci from the endemic and endangered Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii)

“…Additional 8 loci previously isolated from other species (McQuown et al 2000;Henderson-Arzapalo e King 2002;Welsh et al 2003) and selected in our laboratory among several ones on the base of the tetrameric motif, amplification efficiency and level of polymorphism have been also cross amplified. A total of 18 polymorphic microsatellite (Table 1) are now available to assist in the set up of a breeding plan for restocking purposes on both wild captured and F1 mature animals.…”