Microsatellites, from molecules to populations and back.

Area of Science:

• Population genetics
• Molecular evolution

Background:

• Microsatellite markers are increasingly used in population genetics.
• A consensus on appropriate mutation models for microsatellite analysis is lacking.
• The diversity of microsatellite molecular motifs contributes to this challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of microsatellite mutation models.
• To discuss the implications of microsatellite molecular dynamics for population genetic studies.
• To evaluate the utility of microsatellites as genetic markers.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on microsatellite population genetics.
• Analysis of molecular dynamics and mutation models.
• Evaluation of microsatellite performance in population structure and phylogenetic studies.

Main Results:

• No consensus exists on the optimal mutation model for microsatellites.
• Null alleles can impact population studies but are detectable.
• Homoplasy is generally of minor concern over short evolutionary timescales.
• Microsatellites are considered poor markers for phylogenetic inference but can serve as neutral markers.

Conclusions:

• The choice of mutation model significantly impacts population genetic structure analysis.
• Microsatellites can be reliable neutral markers despite evolutionary complexities.
• Further research is needed to refine microsatellite mutation models for diverse motifs.