Sequence data characterization and development of DNA markers for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

New DNA sequencing techniques enable researchers obtain large quantity of sequence information, which are deposited in digital storage or could be further mined for other purposes. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of very important oilseed crops, its seed oil contains many antioxidant properties making sesame the queen of oil crops. Today, molecular plant breeding technology is indispensable for plant breeders and seed producers. Compared to other seed oil crops the available number of microsatellite markers in sesame is still not sufficient enough for the development of polymorphic markers for breeding and genetic studies. Thus, new approaches or resources are needed for development of microsatellite markers for sesame. In the present study, we utilized a total of 45099 transcribed genomic DNA sequences/expressed sequence tags and mined these sequences for studying frequency of microsatellite motifs, ranging from di- to hexa-nucleotides with four to ten tandem repeats, and repeat numbers greater than 10. Using mined transcribed data, 42 putative microsatellite markers were developed and characterized at the sequence level. However, we did not confirm these markers and have no information about the level of their polymorphisms in sesame in vitro. We discussed the biological meaning of the motif lengths and repeat numbers in the sesame genome.