Genomic microsatellite characterization and development of polymorphic microsatellites in Eospalax baileyi

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Population Genetics

Background:

• Microsatellite markers are valuable for population structure and kinship studies but are underdeveloped in non-model organisms.
• The plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) is an ecologically important species in the Tibetan Plateau facing management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze microsatellite distribution, function, and polymorphism in the plateau zokor genome.
• To develop novel microsatellite markers for plateau zokor research.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide analysis of microsatellite distribution and abundance.
• Annotation of microsatellite-containing coding sequences using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways.
• Development and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci.

Main Results:

• Mononucleotide and dinucleotide microsatellites were most abundant, primarily in intergenic regions.
• Microsatellites were found in 52 major functional genes, enriched in signal transduction pathways.
• Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed with varying allele numbers and heterozygosity.

Conclusions:

• Developed microsatellite markers are essential for parentage identification and population genetics studies in plateau zokors.
• This research provides a foundation for effective conservation and management strategies for the species.