Application of microsatellite markers in conservation genetics and fisheries management: recent advances in population structure analysis and conservation strategies.

P. M. Abdul-Muneer

doi:10.1155/2014/691759

Abstract

Microsatellites are the most popular and versatile genetic marker with myriads of applications in population genetics, conservation biology, and evolutionary biology. These are the arrays of DNA sequences, consisting of tandemly repeating mono-, di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide units, which are distributed throughout the genomes of most eukaryotic species. Microsatellites are codominant in nature, highly polymorphic, easily typed, and Mendelian inherited, all properties which make them very suitable for the study of population structure and pedigree analysis and capable of detecting differences among closely related species. PCR for microsatellites can be automated for identifying simple sequence repeat polymorphism. Small amount of blood samples or alcohol preserved tissue is adequate for analyzing them. Most of the microsatellites are noncoding, and therefore variations are independent of natural selection. These properties make microsatellites ideal genetic markers for conservation genetics and fisheries management. This review addresses the applications of microsatellite markers in conservation genetics and recent advances in population structure analysis in the context of fisheries management.

Highlights

Organisms are incessantly undergoing micro- and macroevolutionary processes both at molecular and organismal levels
The most common use of genetic markers in fisheries biology is to determine if samples from culture facilities or natural populations are genetically differentiated from each other
Salzburger et al [68] reported a case of introgressive hybridization between an ancient and genetically distinct cichlid species in Lake Tanganyika that led to the recognition of a new species

Summary

Introduction

Organisms are incessantly undergoing micro- and macroevolutionary processes both at molecular and organismal levels. The variations that happen to the genes in turn produce individuals, which are different either at the molecular level or at the organismal level These individuals may form separate groups within the species itself and such groups are the fundamental genetic units of evolution. The most common use of genetic markers in fisheries biology is to determine if samples from culture facilities or natural populations are genetically differentiated from each other. They are used to identify different species in the event of taxonomic disputes and to detect genetic introgression in a species. We discuss the application of the most prevalent genetic marker, microsatellites, in population genetic structure and its usefulness in conservation of fish fauna

Microsatellites Markers

A AGGG TTCCC

Advantages of Microsatellite Markers

Development of Microsatellite Markers by Cross-Species Amplification

Importance of Microsatellite Markers in Conservation and Fisheries Management

Conclusion