Abstract
Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stunz) is a small dioecious tree native to South America with edible fruit characterized by very high antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin content. To preserve maqui as a genetic resource it is essential to study its genetic diversity. However, the complete genome is unknown and only a few gene sequences are available in databases. Simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, which are neutral, co-dominant, reproducible and highly variable, are desirable to support genetic studies in maqui populations. By means of identification and characterization of microsatellite loci from a maqui genotype, using 454 sequencing technology, we develop a set of SSR for this species. Obtaining a total of 165,043 shotgun genome sequences, with an average read length of 387 bases, we covered 64 Mb of the maqui genome. Reads were assembled into 4,832 contigs, while 98,546 reads remained as singletons, generating a total of 103,378 consensus genomic sequences. A total of 24,494 SSR maqui markers were identified. Of them, 15,950 SSR maqui markers were classified as perfects. The most common SSR motifs were dinucleotide (31%), followed by tetranucleotide (26%) and trinucleotide motifs (24%). The motif AG/CT (28.4%) was the most abundant, while the motif AC (89 bp) was the largest. Eleven polymorphic SSRs were selected and used to analyze a population of 40 maqui genotypes. Polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.117 to 0.82, with an average of 0.58. Non-significant groups were observed in the maqui population, showing a panmictic genetic structure. In addition, we also predicted 11150 putative genes and 3 microRNAs (miRNAs) in maqui sequences. This results, including partial sequences of genes, some miRNAs and SSR markers from high throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) of maqui genomic DNA, constitute the first platform to undertake genetic and molecular studies of this important species.
Highlights
Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stunz) is a small dioecious tree native to South America that belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family
Simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers can be developed using generation sequencing for species like maqui (Aristotelia chilensis), which lack genomic data [35]
Reads were assembled into 4832 contigs, while 98546 reads remained as singletons, generating a total of 103378 consensus genomic sequences (Tables 1 and 2)
Summary
Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stunz) is a small dioecious tree native to South America that belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. It ranges from 3 to 4 m in height and grows in altitudes of up to 2,500 m.a.s.l. Maqui grows best in rich moist topsoil on hillsides or at forest edges. It is a pioneer species that colonizes newly grazed land, forming monospecific associations [1]. Maqui is an evergreen plant with serrated lanceolate leaves with a leathery texture and a reddish petiole. The fruit is a shiny black berry, 3–5 mm in diameter, which is used as food, dye and medicinal remedy [1,2,3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
