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Microsatellite DNA Genotyping and Flow Cytometry Ploidy Analyses of Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Hydatidiform Molar Tissues
Published on: October 20, 2019
Identification of microsatellites from an extinct moa species using high-throughput (454) sequence data
Morten Allentoft1, Stephan C Schuster, Richard Holdaway
1School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Biotechniques
|March 26, 2009
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to identify microsatellite genetic markers in ancient DNA (aDNA) from extinct moa birds. This technique enables high-resolution population genetics studies for ancient species.
Area of Science:
- Paleogenomics
- Molecular Evolution
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Microsatellite genetic variation is understudied in ancient DNA (aDNA) due to limited nuclear DNA quantity and lack of markers in extinct species.
- High-throughput sequencing technologies offer potential for analyzing degraded DNA samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for identifying polymorphic microsatellite markers from aDNA.
- To characterize a microsatellite locus in extinct New Zealand moa (Dinornithiformes).
Main Methods:
- Utilized 454 sequencing to generate data from fossil moa bone.
- Identified short tandem repeat (STR) motifs and designed primers for microsatellite amplification.
- Tested primer efficacy across multiple moa species.
Main Results:
- Successfully isolated and characterized one polymorphic microsatellite locus (Moa_MS2).
- Developed primers amplified the locus in all three tested moa species.
- The method proved fast and efficient for identifying microsatellite markers in aDNA.
Conclusions:
- This approach enables high-resolution population genetic studies of extinct taxa, contingent on DNA preservation.
- Increasing sequence read lengths will enhance the power of this method for studying extinct and extant organisms.
- Offers new avenues for investigating past biodiversity and extinction events.
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