Microsatellite primer development in elasmobranchs using next generation sequencing of enriched libraries

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Genetics
• Genomics

Background:

• Microsatellites are valuable genetic markers for population genetics, sibship, and parentage analyses.
• Efficient methods for microsatellite discovery are crucial for advancing elasmobranch research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a cost-effective protocol for identifying microsatellites in elasmobranch genomes.
• To increase the number of available microsatellite loci for diverse elasmobranch species.

Main Methods:

• Screening of multiple elasmobranch genomic libraries using an enrichment protocol.
• Sequencing of enriched libraries on an Illumina platform.
• Development and testing of primers for the pelagic thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus).

Main Results:

• Successfully identified a significant number of potential microsatellite loci from multiple genomic libraries.
• Demonstrated the efficacy of the protocol through primer validation in Alopias pelagicus.
• The protocol allows for the concurrent screening of several genomic libraries.

Conclusions:

• The described method provides a cost-effective approach to microsatellite discovery in elasmobranchs.
• This protocol expands the toolkit for genetic studies in elasmobranch populations.
• Facilitates concurrent screening of multiple libraries, increasing efficiency.