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Published on: March 28, 2025
Isolation and characterization of 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the mycophagous fly Drosophila innubila
Robert L Unckless1, Lisa M Boelio, Matthew Schifano
1Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA, Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Abstract:
Drosophila innubila is a mushroom-feeding member of the quinaria group, found in the woodlands and forests of the 'sky islands' in Arizona and New Mexico and extending south into central Mexico. Here, we describe and characterize 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci from D. innubila collected in the Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona. The number of alleles ranged from three to 21, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.0513 to 0.9737. Six loci were putatively X-linked, six departed from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, seven had evidence of null alleles, and six showed evidence of linkage disequilibrium. These markers will be useful for examining population structure of D. innubila and its association with male-killing Wolbachia.
Insights
Researchers developed 30 microsatellite markers for Drosophila innubila, a mushroom-feeding fly. These genetic markers will aid in studying population structure and the fly's association with male-killing Wolbachia bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Entomology
- Ecology
Background:
- Drosophila innubila, a mushroom-feeding fly from the quinaria group, inhabits 'sky island' ecosystems in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico.
- Understanding the population genetics of D. innubila is crucial for its conservation and for studying symbiotic relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize polymorphic microsatellite loci for Drosophila innubila.
- To provide genetic tools for investigating population structure and Wolbachia associations in D. innubila.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of 30 polymorphic microsatellite loci from D. innubila specimens.
- Analysis of allele number, heterozygosity, X-linkage, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, null alleles, and linkage disequilibrium.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified 30 polymorphic microsatellite markers for D. innubila.
- Observed a wide range of alleles (3-21) and heterozygosity (0.0513-0.9737).
- Identified potential X-linked loci, deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, null alleles, and linkage disequilibrium.
Conclusions:
- The developed microsatellite markers are valuable resources for population genetic studies of D. innubila.
- These markers will facilitate research into the population structure of D. innubila and its interactions with male-killing Wolbachia.
