Application of SSR markers and real-time PCR for variety identification in azuki-bean [Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and Ohashi]

The azuki bean in Korea consists of seven domestic varieties which have been developed and registered for the public during last 25 years. Here, we present a simple but reliable method to screen and identify Korean azuki bean varieties. A method based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers is widely used for prominent gene identification and variety discrimination. In molecular biology, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique based on the polymerase chain reaction that is used to amplify and simultaneously quantify a targeted DNA molecule. It enables easy detection of a specific sequence in a DNA sample without performing electrophoresis and further processes. For separation of seven Korean azuki bean varieties, 110 unique azuki bean SSR markers from an (AG)n-enriched library were selected, synthesized and used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data were taken through acrylamide gel electrophoresis and automated multi-capillary electrophoresis system for selection of specific markers and then changed into proper formats for data mining analysis. Ten primer pairs that showed high polymorphism were chosen for the indepth study. These ten primers were re-amplified with real-time PCR and checked the cycle threshold (Ct) and temperature (Tm) for comparison of amplification sequence in seven varieties. Consequently, a total of 20 alleles and 6 SSR primers were detected from the standard PCR amplification. Within these 6 primers, 7 alleles of 3 SSR primers were isolated for variety identification. From real-time PCR results, 3 SSR primers were selected as efficient markers for discrimination of seven Korean azuki bean varieties. The approach described here could be applied in monitoring our varieties and can be adapted in the azuki bean breeding program.     

Analysis of molecular variance and population structure in southern Indian finger millet genotypes using three different molecular markers

The genetic relationship among 42 genotypes of finger millet collected from different geographical regions of southern India was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR), and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Ten RAPD primers produced 111 polymorphic bands. Five ISSR primers produced a total of 61 bands. Of these, 23 bands were polymorphic. The RAPD and ISSR fingerprints revealed 71.3 and 37.4% polymorphic banding patterns, respectively. Thirty-six SSR primers yielded 83 scorable alleles in which 62 were found to be polymorphic. Out of 36 SSR primers used, 14 primers (46.6%) produced polymorphic bands. The SSR primer UGEP7 produced a maximum number of six alleles. Mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of RAPD, ISSR and SSR were 0.44, 0.28, and 0.14, respectively. Molecular variances among the population were 2, 11, and 1% for RAPD, ISSR, and SSR markers, respectively. SSR produced 99% molecular variance within individuals. RAPD and ISSR markers produced a low level of molecular variance within individuals. The STRUCTURE (model-based program) analysis revealed that the 42 finger millet genotypes could be divided into a maximum of four subpopulations. Based on the Bayesian statistics, each RAPD and SSR marker produced three subpopulations (K=3), while ISSR marker showed four subpopulations (K=4). This study revealed that RAPD and SSR markers could narrow down the analysis of population structure and it may form the basis for finger millet breeding and improvement programs in the future.     

Simple sequence repeats for genetic analysis in pear

The development of highly informative DNA markers, such as simple sequence repeats (SSRs), is essential for breeding to select agronomically important traits and for genetic studies in pear. We developed SSR markers by using two approaches, RAHM (random amplified hybridization microsatellites) and 5' anchored PCR methods. Segregation analysis of the SSRs revealed that amplified fragments were derived from the same loci, using 3 sets of progenies from crosses between pear varieties. Genetic diversity was characterized using 32 varieties, including 10 from Japanese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), 9 from Chinese pear (P. bretschneideri, P. ussuriensis), 10 from European pear (P. communis) as well as 3 wild relatives (P. calleryana). Diversity of SSR genotypes was observed among species as well as within species and 65 putative alleles were detected. The use of seven SSR markers was sufficient to differentiate between all of the 32 varieties. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

黔东南地方玉米品种SSR分子标记指纹图谱构建

利用SSR分子标记技术研究了黔东南地方玉米品种,筛选出48对引物,共检测出309个等位基因变异,每对引物检测出3～12个,平均为6.44个。每个位点的SSR多态信息量(PIC)变化为0.37～0.88,平均为0.70,标记索引系数平均为4.68。21个材料间的遗传相似性系数变化为0.57～0.90,平均为0.68。利用4对多态信息量高的引物建立了21个地方品种的DNA指纹图谱。     

Isolation and characterization of 28 polymorphic SSR loci from castor bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ricinus communis</Emphasis> L.)

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is cultivated for seed oil throughout tropical and subtropical regions but the understanding of its genetic variability is limited. Because applicable microsatellite markers are not sufficient, we isolated and characterized polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci acquired from a microsatellite-enriched genomic DNA library of castor bean. Finally, 28 SSR loci revealed polymorphisms in a castor bean collection consisting of 72 accessions. A total of 73 alleles were detected, with an average of 3.18 alleles per locus, and the polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.03 to 0.47 (mean = 0.26). Values for observed (H_O) and expected (H_E) heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.19 (mean = 0.11) and from 0.04 to 0.54 (mean = 0.31), respectively. To understand genetic relationships within the castor bean collection, a dendrogram was constructed based on profiles of the 28 SSR loci. These newly developed SSRs will be useful tools for assessing genetic diversity and population structure in castor bean.     

利用SSR荧光标记构建20个高粱品种指纹图谱

为建立高粱种子纯度及真实性鉴定技术体系,构建高粱栽培品种DNA指纹图谱数据库是必要的。利用SSR荧光标记技术筛选出36对SSR荧光标记引物,构建我国高粱杂种优势利用以来中晚熟区主推的20个品种的SSR指纹图谱。36对SSR引物共扩增出235个等位基因,平均每个等位基因检测到多态性位点7个,多态性位点变化范围为2~12个。20个高粱品种36个SSR位点的遗传多样性指数和多态性信息量的变化范围分别为0.3490~0.8813和0.3144~0.8696,平均值分别为0.6976和0.6571。从36对SSR引物中筛选到多态性丰富的2对引物作为高粱品种鉴定的特征引物,2对SSR特征引物组合可区分所有供试品种。20个高粱品种的SSR指纹图谱互不相同,可以作为各品种特定的图谱,为品种鉴别提供依据。     

陆地棉转激素基因材料的SSR标记分析

利用SSR标记对陆地棉遗传标准系TM-1及其转激素基因后代材料进行。DNA指纹分析。从25对引物中筛选出6对扩增条带差异明显、信号强、背景清晰的引物,选用这6对多态性SSR引物扩增出18个差异片段,其中13个片段呈多态性,占总扩增片段的72．2％。依据扩增结果对42份转激素基因后代材料进行了遗传相似系数分析,构建了分子聚类图,并对其中部分转激素基因材料绘制了SSR指纹图谱。结果表明13个转激素基因材料与TM-1的遗传相似系数都在0．5以下,对这些材料的遗传关系做了初步探讨。     

A comparative assessment of DNA fingerprinting techniques (RAPD, ISSR, AFLP and SSR) in tetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) germplasm

Several DNA marker systems and associated techniques are available today for fingerprinting plant germplasm but information on their relative usefulness in particular crops is limited. The study investigated PCR based DNA fingerprinting in a set of 39 potato cultivars using RAPDs (20 primers), ISSRs (6 primers), AFLPs (2 primers) and SSRs (5 primer pairs). Results show that each of the four techniques can on their own, individually identify each cultivar, but that techniques differ in the mean number of profiles generated per primer (or primer pair) per cultivar, referred to as Genotype Index (GI). The order of merit based on this criterium and in this material was AFLPs (GI = 1.0), a multi-locus SSR (GI = 0.77),RAPDs (GI = 0.53), ISSRs (GI = 0.47) and single locus SSRs (GI = 0.36). Problems in relating banding patterns to individual loci and alleles for polyploid genomes, using these techniques as they are currently employed, are also discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Genetic diversity,structure and fruit trait associations in Greek sweet cherry cultivars using microsatellite based (SSR/ISSR) and morpho-physiological markers

It is important to couple phenotypic analysis with genetic diversity for germplasm conservation in gene bank collections. The use of molecular markers supports the study of genetic marker-trait associations of biological and agronomic interest on diverse genetic material. In this report, 19 Greek traditional sweet cherry cultivars and two international cultivars, which were used as controls, were grown in Greece and characterized for 17 morpho-physiological traits, 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and 10 inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. To our knowledge, this is the first report on molecular genetic diversity studies in sweet cherry in Greece. Principal component analysis (PCA) of nine qualitative and eight quantitative morphological parameters explain over 77.33% of total variability in the first five axes. The SSR markers yielded a combined matching probability ratio (MPR) of 9.569 × e−12. The 15 SSR loci produced a total of 92 alleles. Ten ISSR primers generated 91 bands, with an average of 9.1 bands per primer. Expected heterozygosity (gene diversity) values of 15 SSR loci and 10 ISSR markers averaged at 0.683 and 0.369, respectively. Based on stepwise multiple regression analysis (MRA), SSR alleles were found associated with harvest time and fruit polar diameter. Furthermore, three ISSR markers were correlated with fruit harvest and soluble solids and four ISSR markers were correlated with fruit skin color. Stepwise MRA identified six SSR alleles associated with harvest time with a high correlation (P < 0.001), with linear associations with high F values. Hence, data analyzed by the use of MRA could be useful in marker-assisted breeding programs when no other genetic information is available.     

Genetic variation of melon (C. melo) compared to an extinct landrace from the Middle Ages (Hungary) I. rDNA, SSR and SNP analysis of 47 cultivars

Summary Microsatellite profiles of 47 melon cultivars and landraces were analyzed and compared to the aDNA (ancient DNA) of seed remains from an extinct sample recovered from the 15th century (Budapest, Hungary). An aseptic incubation followed by ITS (internal transcribed spacer) analysis was used to exclude the exogenously and endogenously contaminated medieval seeds and to detect SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) in ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region of rDNA (ribosomal DNA). SNPs were observed at the 94–95 bp (GC to either RC, RS or AG) of ITS1; and at 414 bp (A-to-T substitution), 470 bp (T to Y or C), 610 bp (A to R or G) and 633 bp (A-to-G transition) of ITS2. For comparative microsatellite analysis SSRs (simple sequence repeats) detected by ALF (automated laser fluorometer) was used. Eight of the 20 SSR primer pairs amplified 40 microsatellite alleles in identical fragment ranges. A total of 485 alleles were detected in the 47 melon cultivars. The number of alleles per marker ranged from 2 to 7 with an average of 5.7 including CMCT44 (2 alleles), CMAG59 (5 alleles), CMGA104 (5 alleles), CMCT134 (4 alleles), CMTA134 (6 alleles), CMCTT144 (7 alleles), CMTC168 (6 alleles) and CMCT170 (5 alleles). Sequence analysis of the microsatellite alleles showed different fragment lengths depending on changes in the number of unit of core sequences. Dendrogram produced by SPSS11 based on the presence versus absence of SSR alleles revealed that medieval melon had the closest genetic similarity to a registered melon cultivar Hógolyó selected from an old Hungarian melon landrace. These results also indicated that cloned DNA sequences recovered from aDNA of medieval melon can be of use for molecular breeding of modern melon cultivars via gene transfer.     

Microsatellite (SSR) variation in a collection of Malus (apple) species and hybrids

A collection of 142 accessions of 23 Malus species, derived hybrids and cultivar accessions from the USDA-ARS Plant Genetic Resources Unit's core collection, which represents an extensive range of Malus species, was screened with a set of previously described SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. The markers were used to determine genetic identities, estimate genetic diversity, identify genetic relationships among the accessions, and determine the utility of SSR primers developed from Malus ×domestica for making genetic assessments across the whole Malus genus. All eight primer pairs amplified multiple fragments when used in polymerase chain reactions with DNA from these accessions. High levels of variation were detected with a mean of 26.4 alleles per locus and a mean direct count heterozygosity across all eight loci equal to 0.623. The eight primer pairs used in this study unambiguously differentiated all but five pairs of accessions in this collection of 142 accessions of 23 Malus species, derived hybrids and cultivars. These SSR data were not useful in identifying genetic relationships among this diverse collection of accessions, with the majority of the accessions not clustering in ways concordant with taxonomic information and/or geographic origin. The resulting phenogram resolved only two meaningful clusters, for the taxonomically isolated Section Chloromeles and for M. fusca accessions, reflecting genetic relationships arising from geographic origin. The detection of identical accessions in the collection, which were previously considered to be unique, highlights the critical need to further bolster collections of certain Malus species. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Identification of S-alleles in almond using multiplex PCR

The S-genotypes of eight almond (Prunus dulcis Miller (D.A. Webb)) cultivars from different geographical origins and of nine new selections from the CEBAS-CSIC (Murcia, Spain) breeding program were determined using single and multiplex PCR with different sets of specific oligonucleotide primers. The results of PCR using the AS1II- and AmyC5R-specific primers showed amplification in a single reaction of 10 different self-incompatibility alleles and of the self-compatibility allele S _f. However, the amplified fragments of the S _f allele were of similar sizes to those amplified from the S ₃ self-incompatibility allele. For this reason, a specific PCR primer CEBASf was designed from the intron sequence of S _f. A multiplex-PCR reaction using the AS1II, CEBASf and AmyC5R primers permitted unequivocal identification of the 10 self-incompatibility alleles and of the self-compatibility allele. Multiplex PCR opens the possibility to identify new S-alleles using different sets of primers. The applications of these PCR markers in the almond-breeding programs are discussed.     

Molecular Marker based Genetic Diversity Analysis in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) using RAPD and SSR markers

The availability of an array of molecular marker systems allowed comparing the efficiency of two of these marker systems to estimate the relationships among various taxa. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity among 40 cultivated varieties and five wild relatives of rice, Oryza sativa L. involving simple sequence repeat (SSR) randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The accessions were evaluated for polymorphisms after amplification with 36 decamer primers and 38 SSR primer pairs. A total of 499 RAPD markers were produced among the 40 cultivated varieties and five wild relatives with a polymorphism percentage of 90.0. Out of 38 SSR primer pairs used, only one locus viz., RM115 was monomorphic. The average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value was 0.578 and it ranged from a low of zero (RM 115) to a high of 0.890 (RM 202). The Mantel matrix correspondence test was used to compare the similarity matrices and the correlation coefficient was 0. 582. The test indicated that clusters produced based on RAPD and SSR markers were not conserved since matrix correlation value was 0.582 as against the minimum required value of 0.800. The two marker systems contrasted most notably in pair-by-pair comparisons of relationships. SSR analysis resulted in a more definitive separation of clusters of genotypes indicating a higher level of efficiency of SSR markers for the accurate determination of relationships between accessions that are too close to be accurately differentiated by RAPD markers. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Isolation of 1,796 SSR clones from SSR-enriched DNA libraries of bunching onion (Allium fistulosum)

Bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is one of the most important vegetables in Japan. To establish a genetic basis for molecular breeding of bunching onion, we isolated 1,796 simple sequence repeat (SSR) clones by large-scale sequencing of SSR-enriched genomic DNA libraries. Of these, 1,331 (74.1%) contained (GT) _n repeats (n > 5), while 314 (17.5%) were (GA) _n -containing clones. The average number of SSR repeats was 10.5 and 10.4 in the (GT) _n - and (GA) _n -containing clones, respectively. In a sample of five bunching onion inbred lines, an average of 3.2 alleles were detected in the 100 SSR loci investigated, with the polymorphic information content averaging 0.55. These results indicate that bunching onion SSRs are very rich sources of highly informative genetic markers.     

普通小麦D染色体组微卫星分子标记遗传差异研究

本研究采用微卫星(SSR)分子标记技术, 对我国不同生态区的6个春小麦品种(系)及北方冬麦区的17个冬小麦品种(系)D染色体组的遗传多样性进行了分析. 结果显示, 23个微卫星引物在23份材料间共扩增出65个等位基因, 平均每个引物为2.9个. 分析发现, 冬小麦群体内检测到的等位基因数(60个)及平均遗传距离(0.4504)明显高于春小麦(48     

Molecular diversity and association of SSR markers to rust and late leaf spot resistance in cultivated groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Molecular diversity and association of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with rust and late leaf spot (LLS) resistance were detected in a set of 20 cultivated groundnut genotypes differing in resistance against both diseases. Out of 136 bands amplified from 26 primers, 104 were found polymorphic (76.5%). Cluster analysis (UPGMA) revealed two main clusters separated at 52% Jaccard's similarity coefficient according to disease reaction to rust and LLS. Based on the Kruskal–Wallis one-way anova and simple regression analysis three and four SSR alleles were found associated with rust and LLS resistance, respectively.     

小麦区试品系DUS测试的分子标记

为了确定测试小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)区试品系特异性、一致性、稳定性(DUS)的分子标记,采用156个来自我国不同麦区的品种对SSR、EST-SSR和AFLP-SCAR标记的1334对引物进行筛选,根据在染色体上分布均匀、多态性信息指数较高、带型清晰、不同等位变异的带型易于区分及PCR产物稳定的原则,筛选出105对小麦品种DUS测试的分子标记引物,包括63对SSR引物、21对EST-SSR引物和21对AFLP-SCAR引物,可以检测122个位点的754个等位变异,平均每条染色体上被检测位点5.8个,平均每个位点包含7.2个等位变异。根据DUS测试的需求、引物的染色体分布、PIC值大小和带型特点,将105对引物分为21对核心引物、29对一级备用引物和55对二级备用引物。核心引物分辨力较高,可以完成约80%品系的特异性检测,约95%品系的种子纯度检测和约60%品系的一致性、稳定性检测;备用引物用于确定品系DNA位点纯合率和相似品种(品系)之间的遗传相似系数,以判断DNA指纹相同或相似的品种(品系)之间的相似性和特异性,评价核心标记中具有非纯位点的品系的DNA位点纯合度,同时完成核心引物未能完成的少数品系的种子纯度检测。通过在2006-2007、2007-2008、2008-2009年度对464个冬小麦区试品系DUS测试中的应用,证明105对引物具有很好的代表性和实用性,可以完成90%以上参试品系的DUS检测。     

Construction and characterization of a BAC library of soybean

We have constructed a soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library from green leaf protoplasts of the cultivar, Misuzudaizu. The library contains 53,760 clones with an average insert size of 116 kb. About 2.9% chloroplast DNA origin was revealed by PCR and colony hybridization. Apart from 2.8% clones having no insert, this library represents 5.2 genome equivalents. With this genome coverage, the probability of having any DNA sequence represented in the library is higher than 99.5%. Three-dimensional pools of the BAC library in combination with the use of a high efficiency genome scanning (HEGS) electrophoresis facilitate rapid and efficient PCR-based screening. An average of five positive clones were identified after screening the BAC library with SSR and STS markers. BAC-end walking was performed for three SSR associated BACs. This library will provide a good resource for positional cloning of agronomically and biologically important QTL genes that Misuzudaizu possesses.     

Development of PCR-based markers linked to a restorer gene for cytoplasmic male sterility in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker named OPC06-1900 was previously found linked to a fertility restorer gene (Rfw) for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The RAPD marker was converted to a dominant sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker SCC06-1894 by molecular cloning and nucleotide sequencing. A BLAST search revealed that the SCAR marker SCC06-1894 showed significant homology to the corresponding regions of Arabidopsis and Brassica sulfate transporter genes. The presence of the intron and exon of the DNA fragment SCC06-1894 was demonstrated by comparing RT-PCR and PCR products. Thus, allele-specific oligonucleotide primers were designed to amplify the SCAR marker SCC06-415. PCR test with F₂ plants and sequence analysis showed that SCC06-1894 and SCC06-415 were allelic, linked to Rfw/rfw gene at 8.0 cM. Nine oligonucleotide primers were designed based on a single radish nuclear restorer gene mRNA. A survey of these primer combinations by bulked segregant analysis (BSA) identified three polymorphisms. The three PCR-based markers were co-segregant in the coupling phase and distant from the Rfw gene by 1.4 cM. These specific markers distributed on both sides of the Rfw gene and will be helpful for breeding new rapseed (Brassica napus L.) restorer lines.     

Identification of SSR markers which could differentiate blast disease resistance accessions in finger millet (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eleusine coracana</Emphasis> (L.) Gaertn.)

Microsatellites also known as SSR are the class of repetitive DNA sequences present throughout the genome of all eukaryotic organisms. The present study identified SSRs using biotinylated beads capture method. Ten sets of primers were designed based on sequences having at least (CT)10 repeats. A total of 27 accessions having a mix of both African (resistant) and Indian origin (resistant and susceptible) were assessed using 30 microsatellite markers. Amplification products were obtained for all 30 primers studied; 25 out of these primers were found to be polymorphic with 13 primers showing two alleles per locus. The current study identified markers which could differentiate between resistant and susceptible accessions and also segregate accessions based on geographical region. These informative SSR markers can be used in finger millet genetic improvement projects.