Genome-Wide Microsatellites in Acanthopagrus latus: Development, Distribution, Characterization, and Polymorphism

Area of Science:

• Genomics
• Aquaculture
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus) is a key mariculture species in Asia.
• Limited simple sequence repeat (SSR) data has hindered breeding progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively isolate and characterize SSRs from the A. latus genome.
• To develop and validate SSR markers for molecular breeding and genetic assessment.

Main Methods:

• Genome-wide isolation and characterization of SSRs.
• Bioinformatic analysis of SSR distribution, frequency, and motif types.
• SSR marker design, amplification, polymorphism assessment, and cross-species transferability tests.

Main Results:

• Identified 318,862 SSRs, primarily dinucleotides (76.92%) and trinucleotides (15.75%).
• The (AC)n motif was the most abundant (53%).
• Developed 217,791 SSR markers, with 8/9 showing high polymorphism and 33/37 loci transferable to A. schlegelii.

Conclusions:

• This study provides a foundational resource of SSRs and markers for A. latus.
• The developed markers are valuable for molecular marker-assisted breeding and genetic diversity assessment.
• High polymorphism and cross-species transferability highlight the utility of these SSRs.