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.     

Development,characterization and mapping of microsatellite markers for lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Lentil is the sixth most important pulse crop terms of production in the world, but the number of available and mapped SSR markers are limited. To develop SSR markers in lentil, four genomic libraries for (CA)n, (GA)n, (AAC)n and (ATG)n repeats were constructed. A total of 360 SSR primers were designed and validated using 15 Turkish lentil cultivars and genotypes. The most polymorphic repeat motifs were GA and CT, with a mean number of alleles per locus of 7.80 and 6.55, respectively. Seventy‐eight SSR primers amplified a total of 400 polymorphic alleles, whereas 71 SSR primers produced markers within the expected size range. For 78 polymorphic SSR primers, the average number of alleles per locus was 5.1 and PIC value ranged from 0.07 to 0.89, with an average of 0.58. A linkage map was constructed using 92 individual F₂ plants derived from a cross between Karacada? × Silvan, with 47 SSR markers. The SSR markers developed in this study could be used for germplasm classification and identification and mapping of QTL in lentil.     

Methodology of generation and characteristics of simple sequence repeat DNA markers in avocado (Persea americana M.)

Summary Generation of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) DNA markers was based on the construction of genomic DNA library of avocado (Persea americana M.). The library was screened with the four dinucleotide probes (AG), (AT), (GC) and (CA). Positive clones were sequenced to validate the presence of simple sequence repeats (SSR) and to generate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers based on the sequences flanking the simple sequence repeat. Twenty six different pairs of primers which yield a PCR product in the initial screening were synthesized. The SSR A1E11 was found to have eleven alleles while A3F8 has eight alleles. The SSRs in avocado were found to be inherited in a Mendelian fashion.Contribution from the Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel. No. 1335-E, 1994 series.     

High‐throughput development of SSR marker candidates and their chromosomal assignment in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Shotgun survey sequences of flow‐sorted individual rye chromosomes were data mined for the presence of simple sequence repeats (SSRs). For 787,850 putative SSR loci, a total of 358,660 PCR primer pairs could be designed and 51,138 nonredundant SSR marker candidates were evaluated by in silico PCR. Of the 51,138 SSR primer candidates, 1,277 were associated with 1,125 rye gene models. A total of 2,112 of the potential SSR markers were randomly selected to represent about equal numbers for each of the rye chromosomes, and 856 SSRs were assigned to individual rye chromosomes experimentally. Potential transferability of rye SSRs to wheat and barley was of low efficiency with 4.3% (2,189) and 0.4% (223) of rye SSRs predicted to be amplified in wheat and barley, respectively. This data set of rye chromosome‐specific SSR markers will be useful for the specific detection of rye chromatin introgressed into wheat as well as for low‐cost genetic and physical mapping in rye without the need for high‐tech equipment.     

Characterization of novel sugarcane expressed sequence tag microsatellites and their comparison with genomic SSRs

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are one of the most suitable markers for genome analysis as they have great potential to aid breeders to develop new improved sugarcane varieties. The development of SSR derived from expressed sequence tags (EST) opens new opportunities for genetic investigations at a functional level. In the present work, the polymorphism obtained with a subset of 51 EST–SSRs derived from sucest was compared with those generated by 50 genomic SSRs (gSSR) in terms of number of alleles, polymorphism information content, discrimination power and their ability to establish genetic relationships among 18 sugarcane clones including three Saccharum species (S. officinarum, S. barberi, S. sinense). The majority of EST–SSRs loci had four to six alleles in contrast to the seven to nine observed for the gSSRs loci. Approximately, 35% of the gSSRs had PIC values around 0.90 in contrast to 15% of the EST–SSRs. However, the mean discrimination power of the two types of SSR did not differ significantly as much as the average genetic similarity (GS) based on Dice coefficient. The correlation between GS of the two types of SSRs was high (r = 0.71/P = 0.99) and significant. Although differences were observed between dendrograms obtained with each SSR type, both were in good agreement with pedigree information. The S. officinarum clone IJ76‐314 was grouped apart from the other clones evaluated. The results here demonstrate that EST–SSRs can be successfully used for genetic relationship analysis, extending the knowledge of genetic diversity of sugarcane to a functional level.     

Validation of a set of informative simple sequence repeats markers for variety identification in Pak‐choi (Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis var. communis)

A core set of 21 simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers was developed for Pak‐choi (Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis var. communis) variety identification. We initially selected 74 SSR markers which exhibited high polymorphism and reproducibility in SSR detection from 2129 SSRs. Using the 74 SSR‐based dendrogram for 45 inbred lines as calibration, 21 core SSRs were selected out. The utility of this core set SSRs was firstly tested in 45 inbred lines and finally verified in 102 commercial varieties. We also constructed a molecular ladder for each core SSR as a reference standard. Diversity analysis of this core SSR panel in 102 varieties demonstrated that each marker generates 2–3 alleles (averaged 2.33), with polymorphism information content values ranging from 0.01 to 0.56 (averaged 0.31). The averaged values of Shannon information index, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and Wright's fixation index were 0.59, 0.43, 0.38 and −0.09, respectively. Furthermore, the 21 SSR‐based classifications for 102 varieties were consistent with traditional classification based on morphology. This core SSR panel represents an effective tool for genetic variation analysis in Pak‐choi.     

利用SSR标记划分糯玉米的杂种优势群

利用SSR标记研究了30份糯玉米(Zea mays ceratinaKulesh)自交系的遗传变异。用21对扩增带型稳定的引物,从供试材料中检测出101个等位基因变异,每对引物检测等位基因2~10个,平均4.81个,平均多态性信息量0.60。经遗传多样性和聚类分析把供试糯玉米自交系划分为6个类群。     

Development and utilization of genomic and genic microsatellite markers in Assam tea (Camellia assamica ssp. assamica) and related Camellia species

Microsatellite or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are valuable tools for many purposes, such as phylogenetic, fingerprinting and molecular breeding studies. However, such marker resources are unavailable in Assam tea (Camellia assamica ssp. assamica; Masters). With an objective to enrich the repertoire of microsatellite markers in traditional tea, 185 novel microsatellite (150 genomic and 35 genic) markers were identified from (GA)n‐enriched genomic libraries and public expressed sequence data in Assam tea. High‐quality 0.412‐Mb non‐redundant (NR) genomic data set derived from nucleotide sequencing of 1297 (GA)n‐enriched genomic positive clones and 2723 unigenes (1.33 Mb) predicted from 10 803 random public expressed sequence tags (ESTs) in C. assamica ssp. assamica were utilized for identification of genomic and genic microsatellite markers, respectively. The average number of alleles and polymorphic information content (PIC) recorded for the newly developed SSR markers were 6.17 and 0.398, respectively. The average observed (H_o) and expected (H_e) heterozygosity varied from 0.626 to 0.697, respectively. These markers were found to be highly transferable (74.5–100%) to cultivated (C. sinensis, C. assamica ssp. lasiocalyx) and five wild Camellia species. Genetic diversity coefficient detected a high level of divergence in 24 cultivated tea accessions (69.3%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that major groupings were broadly in accordance with taxonomic classification of tea, and all the wild Camellia species remained as an out‐group. The high polymorphic content coupled with high rate of cross‐transferability demonstrates wider applicability of novel microsatellite markers in genotyping, genetic diversity, genome mapping and evolutionary studies in various Camellia species.     

猕猴桃EST序列的SSR信息分析

从NCBI公共数据库中最新公布的猕猴桃表达序列标签（Expressed Sequence Tag,EST）中随机抽取56,400条序列,应用SSRHunter软件查找微卫星（Microsatellite,SSR）重复序列。研究结果表明,从猕猴桃EST序列中获得了7939条SSR,其中包括二核苷酸重复5131条（64.63%）,三核苷酸重复1237条（15.58%）,四核苷酸重复284条（3.58%）,五核苷酸重复397条（5.00%）, 六核苷酸重复890条（11.21%）。大约每2.48kb 长度的单一基因序列中即存在1个SSR, 即平均7个单一基因中存在1个SSR。二核苷酸重复序列是最丰富的重复单元,其次为三核苷酸重复和六核苷酸重复。在所获得的SSR重复单元中,AG/CT为优势重复,共分布4654条（90.70%）。通过筛查猕猴桃EST序列中的SSR,可为猕猴桃基于EST-SSR的分子生物学研究奠定理论基础。     

Microsatellite markers: an overview of the recent progress in plants

In recent years, molecular markers have been utilized for a variety of applications including examination of genetic relationships between individuals, mapping of useful genes, construction of linkage maps, marker assisted selections and backcrosses, population genetics and phylogenetic studies. Among the available molecular markers, microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) which are tandem repeats of one to six nucleotide long DNA motifs, have gained considerable importance in plant genetics and breeding owing to many desirable genetic attributes including hypervariability, multiallelic nature, codominant inheritance, reproducibility, relative abundance, extensive genome coverage including organellar genomes, chromosome specific location and amenability to automation and high throughput genotyping. High degree of allelic variation revealed by microsatellite markers results from variation in number of repeat-motifs at a locus caused by replication slippage and/or unequal crossing-over during meiosis. In spite of limited understanding of the functions of the SSR motifs within the plant genes, SSRs are being widely utilized in plant genome analysis. Microsatellites can be developed directly from genomic DNA libraries or from libraries enriched for specific microsatellites. Alternatively, microsatellites can also be found by searching public databases such as GenBank and EMBL or through cross-species transferability. At present, EST databases are an important source of candidate genes, as these can generate markers directly associated with a trait of interest and may be transferable in close relative genera. A large number of SSR based techniques have been developed and a quantum of literature has accumulated regarding the applicability of SSRs in plant genetics and genomics. In this review we discuss the recent developments (last 4–5 years) made in plant genetics using SSR markers.     

Microsatellite polymorphism in Pisum sativum

Pisum sativum sequences were retrieved from Genbank/EMBL databases and searched for all possible dinucleotide and trinucleotide tandem repeats. One‐hundred and seventy‐one simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were found among 663 sequences. The different dinucleotide or trinucleotide motifs occurred at varying frequencies. CT/AG was the most frequent dinucleotide, and TCT/AGA the most frequent trinucleotide. Forty‐three microsatellite markers were generated from these sequences and used to assess the genetic variability among 12 pea genotypes. Thirty‐one were polymorphic among the genotypes and the average number of variants per marker was 3.6 when considering only polymorphic markers. Overall, the number of variants for a given SSR marker was correlated with the length of the SSR but some 12‐bp long SSRs showed the same degree of polymorphism as longer ones. The groupings resulting from the SSR genotyping among the 12 genotypes gave an interesting insight into the possible origin of one recent cultivar. Database‐derived SSR markers are highly variable. They can provide useful information on the genetic diversity among P. sativum cultivated types.     

The first genetic linkage map of crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) based on amplification fragment length polymorphisms and simple sequence repeats markers

Lagerstroemia (crape myrtle) are famous ornamental plants with large pyramidal racemes, long flower duration and diverse colours. Genetic maps provide an important genomic resource of basic and applied significance. A genetic linkage map was developed by genotyping 192 F₁ progeny from a cross between L. caudata (female) and L. indica (‘Xiang Xue Yun’) (male) with a combination of amplification fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers in a double pseudo‐testcross mapping strategy. A total of 330 polymorphic loci consisting of 284 AFLPs and 46 SSRs showing Mendelian segregation were generated from 383 AFLP primer combinations and 150 SSR primers. The data were analysed using JoinMap 4.0 (evaluation version) to construct the linkage map. The map consisted of 20 linkage groups of 173 loci (160 AFLPs and 13 SSRs) covering 1162.1 cM with a mean distance of 10.69 cM between adjacent markers. The 20 linkage groups contained 2–49 loci and ranged in length from 7.38 to 163.57 cM. This map will serve as a framework for mapping QTLs and provide reference information for future molecular breeding work.     

Abundance, polymorphism and genetic mapping of microsatellites in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

The objective of the present study was to estimate the abundance and degree of polymorphism of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in rapeseed. By screening about 45000 clones of a small inserts library of rapeseed total DNA the abundances of GA/TC and CA/TG simple sequence repeats in the rapeseed genome were estimated to be approximately one repeat every 100 kb and 400 kb, respectively. After sequencing 13 positive clones, primer pairs could be designed for 11 microsatellite loci. Seven of these primer pairs produced reproducible amplification products in a set of 31 rapeseed genotypes, with one pair amplifying two independent products, giving a total of eight amplified loci. The different microsatellite loci displayed between one and three visible alleles. At four loci, additional null alleles were observed. With up to four alleles, polymorphic microsatellite markers show significantly higher allele numbers in rapeseed than restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. Four of the eight microsatellite markers could be mapped on four different linkage groups of an RFLP map of the rapeseed genome.     

楸树EST-SSR标记开发及种质资源的遗传多样性分析

利用转录组数据开发SSR标记是一种经济高效的DNA分子标记开发策略。本研究利用高通量测序技术开发楸树(Catalpa bungei)EST-SSR标记,了解其在转录组序列中的分布类型,并利用41对多态性较好的引物对来自安徽(AH)、河南(HN)、湖北(HB)和山东(SD)的4个楸树居群的48个无性系的遗传多样性进行分析。结果表明:在大于1kb的14634条序列中,共鉴定出3999个SSR位点,580条序列包含2个及以上位点;单核苷酸重复(1957,48.94%)是最常见的SSR类型,其次是二核苷酸重复(1164,29.11%),三核苷酸重复(834,20.86%),四核苷酸重复(41,1.03%)和五核苷酸重复(3,0.08%);共扩增出243个等位基因,每个位点的等位基因数为3~13个,平均为4.85个,观测杂合度为0.14?1.00,平均为0.63,期望杂合度为0.42?0.84,平均为0.67,大部分位点偏离哈迪-温伯格平衡;AH和HN居群在有效等位基因数和期望杂合度的数值较高,表明其遗传多样性较丰富;分子方差分析(AMOVA)表明,遗传变异主要发生在居群内。本研究为楸树及同属其他树种种质资源鉴定、遗传多样性提供依据,且在指导楸树良种选育等方面具有重要的意义。     

Development of EST‐SSR markers for diversity and breeding studies in opium poppy

All publicly available opium poppy expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences, totalling 20 885, were assembled into unigenes and examined for simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Nearly 19% of the 14 957 unigenes contained SSRs with 4% harbouring more than one SSR. Average density of the SSRs was 1 SSR per 3.6 kb of non‐redundant EST sequence. Trinucleotide SSRs were most frequently identified (39%), and many of the most prevalent motifs were AT‐rich. Flanking primers were designed for 86% of the SSRs and 67 primer pairs were tested on 37 opium poppy accessions and seven related species. All markers were transferable to the related species. Polymorphism information content (PIC) values for the markers were intermediate for comparisons within opium poppy (average of 0.27) and slightly higher for comparisons across species (average of 0.29). The markers were found to be useful for diversity analysis as they successfully distinguished among Turkish opium poppy accessions and land races.     

Identification and validation of a core set of microsatellite markers for genetic diversity analysis in watermelon, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrullus lanatus</Emphasis> Thunb. Matsum. &; Nakai

Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus Thunb. Matsum. & Nakai is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Due to its narrow genetic base, detection and utilization of the genetic variations, cultivar identification and increasing genetic diversity are some important tasks for watermelon breeders. Molecular markers, especially microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are playing increasingly important roles for these purposes. In the present study, a core set of 23 highly informative SSR markers was developed for watermelon genetic diversity analysis. Based on whole genome sequencing of 17 watermelon inbred lines, we identified 3.9 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which were used to construct a SNP-based dendrogram for the 17 lines. Meanwhile, from the sequenced genome, 13,744 SSRs were developed, of which 704 were placed on a high-resolution watermelon linkage map. To develop the core set SSR markers, 78 of the 704 mapped SSRs were selected as the candidate markers. Using the SNP-based dendrogram as calibration, 23 SSR markers evenly distributed across the genome were identified as the core marker set for watermelon genetic diversity analysis. Each marker was able to detect 2–7 alleles with polymorphism information content values ranging from 0.45 to 0.82. The dendrograms of 17 watermelon lines based on SNPs, the base set of 78 SSRs and the core set of 23 SSRs were highly consistent. The utility of this core set SSRs was demonstrated in 100 commercial watermelon cultivars and elite lines, which could be placed into six clusters that were largely consistent with previous classification based on morphology and parentage data. This core set of SSR markers should be very useful for genotyping and genetic variation analysis in watermelon.     

Development of genomic and EST-SSR markers in radish (Raphanus sativus L.)

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) belongs to Brassicaceae family and is a close relative of Brassica. This species shows a wide morphological diversity, and is an important vegetable especially in Asia. However, molecular research of radish is behind compared to that of Brassica. For example, reports on SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers are limited. Here, we designed 417 radish SSR markers from SSR-enriched genomic libraries and the cDNA data. Of the 256 SSR markers succeeded in PCR, 130 showed clear polymorphisms between two radish lines; a rat-tail radish and a Japanese cultivar, ‘Harufuku’. As a test case for evaluation of the present SSRs, we conducted two studies. First, we selected 16 SSRs to calculate polymorphism information contents (PICs) using 16 radish cultivars and four other Brassicaceae species. These markers detected 3–15 alleles (average = 9.6). PIC values ranged from 0.54 to 0.92 (average = 0.78). Second, part of the present SSRs were tested for mapping using our previously-examined mapping population. The map spanned 672.7 cM with nine linkage groups (LGs). The 21 radish SSR markers were distributed throughout the LGs. The SSR markers developed here would be informative and useful for genetic analysis in radish and its related species.     

黄麻全基因组SSR鉴定与特征分析

黄麻是世界上重要的天然韧皮部纤维作物之一。然而, SSR标记的缺乏限制了黄麻的遗传改良。本研究从圆果种黄麻测序品种CVL-1的基因组、基因、CDS和cDNA中挖掘SSR信息,利用SSR Primer软件查找SSR位点,并分析其分布特征。结果表明,基于基因组序列共开发了153,242个基因组SSR,平均密度为467.20个SSRMb~(–1);基于cDNA序列开发了10,747个SSR,平均密度为260.85 SSR Mb~(–1)。大部分重复基元为二至四核苷酸,占76.91%,其中cDNA序列SSR中三核苷酸重复基元数量较多而基因组SSR中二核苷酸重复基元数量较多。对于不同类型的SSR重复基元,随着重复单元数量的增加,其基因组和cDNA的SSR分布频率呈现逐步降低特征。黄麻全基因组SSR标记鉴定,不仅可以丰富黄麻分子标记的数量,而且为剖析黄麻重要农艺性状的遗传机制奠定基础。