Microsatellites in the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis): description, variation, inheritance, and applicability

Area of Science:

• * Evolutionary biology
• * Population genetics

Background:

• * The sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) exhibits a heterogeneous spatial distribution in Sweden.
• * Previous studies using allozymes or mitochondrial DNA could not adequately characterize genetic variability in these populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To develop and utilize microsatellite markers for investigating genetic variability within and among Swedish sand lizard populations.
• * To compare genetic diversity in Swedish populations with a larger, outbred population.

Main Methods:

• * Development of novel microsatellite markers for Lacerta agilis.
• * Analysis of genetic variability using these microsatellite loci.
• * Comparison of genetic data between Swedish and Hungarian populations.

Main Results:

• * Microsatellite loci revealed substantial genetic variability in Swedish sand lizard populations, which was not detected by other methods.
• * Genetic variability in Swedish populations was found to be limited compared to a large, outbred Hungarian population.
• * The frequency and number of (GT/CA)n repeats were higher than (CT/GA)n repeats, consistent with other species.
• * Microsatellite "null alleles" were observed in three of nine loci, necessitating caution in analyses.

Conclusions:

• * Microsatellite markers are effective tools for assessing genetic variability in Lacerta agilis, particularly in spatially structured populations.
• * Swedish sand lizard populations exhibit lower genetic diversity than expected, suggesting potential conservation concerns.
• * The presence of null alleles requires careful consideration when interpreting population genetic data and calculating genetic differentiation.