Inheritance of microsatellite DNA markers in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai

Assessing the genetic diversity in Argopecten nucleus (Bivalvia: Pectinidae), a functional hermaphrodite species with extremely low population density and self-fertilization: Effect of null alleles

Argopecten nucleus is a functional hermaphroditic pectinid species that exhibits self-fertilization, whose natural populations have usually very low densities. In the present study, the genetic diversity of a wild population from Neguanje Bay, Santa Marta (Colombia), was estimated using microsatellite markers, and the effect of the presence of null alleles on this estimation was assessed. A total of 8 microsatellite markers were developed, the first described for this species, and their amplification conditions were standardized. They were used to determine the genotype of 48 wild individuals from Naguanje Bay, and 1,010 individuals derived from the offspring of 38 directed crosses. For each locus, the frequencies of the identified alleles, including null alleles, were estimated using the statistical package Micro-Checker, and the parental genotypes were confirmed using segregation analysis. Three to 8 alleles per locus with frequencies from 0.001 to 0.632 were detected. The frequencies of null alleles ranged from 0.10 to 0.45, with Ho from 0.0 to 0.79, and He from 0.53 to 0.80. All loci were in H-W disequilibrium. The null allele frequencies values were high, with lower estimations using segregation analysis than estimated using Micro-Checker. The present results show high levels of population genetic diversity and indicate that null alleles were not the only cause of deviation from H-W equilibrium in all loci, suggesting that the wild population under study presents signs of inbreeding and Wahlund effect.

Novel microsatellite markers of Meretrix petechialis and cross-species amplification in related Taxa (Bivalvia: Veneroida)

The Asian hard clam, Meretrix petechialis, is an economically important bivalve, but its catch and population sizes are decreasing rapidly, owing to many factors, including large-scale reclamation of its natural habitat on the western coast of the Korean peninsula. Attempts to restore the resources and production of this species require genetic structure and diversity information. In this study, we developed 15 microsatellite markers from a partial genomic library enriched in GT repeats. Nine of these markers were polymorphic, with an average allele number of six, and six were monomorphic in 95 tested individuals. No linkage disequilibrium was found between any pair of loci (p > 0.05), and deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test showing excess of heterozygotes was observed in only one of nine loci. In addition, no null alleles or genetic differentiation between two tested populations were detected. A cross-species amplification in 12 species of four families resulted in two M. petechialis-specific loci and three possible universal markers. This information will be useful in the future development of high-quality artificial seedlings and sustainable resource management.

Centromere mapping in the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) through half-tetrad analysis in gynogenetic diploid families

Centromere mapping is an essential prerequisite for our understanding of the composition and structure of genomes. For centromere mapping, in two meiogynogenetic families of the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai), we screened 97 microsatellite markers that cover all linkage groups from a currently available abalone linkage map. Microsatellite analysis showed that no unique paternal allele was found in all gynogenetic progeny, which confirmed 100% success of induction of gynogenesis. In the control crosses, all 97 microsatellite loci were compatible with Mendelian inheritance, while in meiogynogenetic progeny, 5.2% of the microsatellite loci showed segregation distortions from an expected 1:1 ratio of two homozygote classes. The second division segregation frequency of the microsatellites ranged from 0.037 to 0.950 with a mean of 0.399, indicating the existence of interference. Heterogeneity among linkage groups in the crossover distribution was observed. Centromere location was mostly in accordance with the abalone karyotype, but differences in marker order between linkage and centromere maps occurred. Information on the positions of centromeres in relation to the microsatellite loci will represent a contribution towards assembly of genetic maps in the commercially important abalone species.

Wild and hatchery populations of Korean starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) compared using microsatellite DNA markers

Starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) is an important sport and food fish found around the margins of the North Pacific. Aquaculture production of this species in Korea has increased because of its commercial value. Microsatellite DNA markers are a useful DNA-based tool for monitoring the genetic variation of starry flounder populations. In this study, 12 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers were identified from a partial genomic starry flounder DNA library enriched in CA repeats, and used to compare allelic variation between wild and hatchery starry flounder populations in Korea. All loci were readily amplified and demonstrated high allelic diversity, with the number of alleles ranging from 6 to 18 in the wild population and from 2 to 12 in the farmed population. A total of 136 alleles were detected at the 12 microsatellite loci in the two populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.62 and 0.68, respectively, in the hatchery samples and 0.67 and 0.75, respectively, in the wild samples. These results indicate lower genetic variability in the hatchery population as compared to the wild population. Significant shifts in allelic frequencies were detected at eight loci, which resulted in a small but significant genetic differences between the wild and hatchery populations (F_ST = 0.043, P < 0.05). Further studies with additional starry flounder sample collections are needed for comprehensive determinations of the genetic varieties between the wild and hatchery populations. These microsatellite loci may be valuable for future population genetic studies, monitoring the genetic variation for successful aquaculture management and the preservation of aquatic biodiversity.

Development of gene-targeted SNP markers for genomic mapping in Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

Useful and novel DNA markers are needed for aquaculture genetics and breeding. In this study, we report the discovery and development of gene-targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for genomic mapping in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino. Single EST or EST-contigs from 66 genes that had positive BLASTx matches (E-value ≤ 1e-8) were used for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. PCR products from the two parents of one mapping family were directly sequenced, and 83 SNP loci were found from 17 genes. Allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) was developed and optimized for genotyping of 11 SNP loci in 120 progeny of the mapping family. Nine of the loci conformed to the expected Mendelian ratio of 1:1 based on the χ(2) test (P > 0.05) and could potentially be used for linkage map construction. Our data also indicate that the sequencing of two parents may be a practical strategy for the discovery of informative SNPs for linkage mapping in a particular mapping population.

A microsatellite linkage map of the blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra

There is considerable scope for genetic improvement of cultured blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra in Australia using molecular marker-assisted, selective-breeding practices. Such improvement is dependent on the availability of primary genetic resources, such as a genetic linkage map. This study presents a first-generation linkage map of H. rubra, containing 122 microsatellite markers typed in a single full-sib family. These loci mapped to 17 and 20 linkage groups for the male and female respectively, and when aligned, the consensus map represented 18 linkage groups. The male linkage map contained 102 markers (one unlinked) covering 621 cM with an average intermarker spacing of 7.3 cM, and the female map contained 98 markers (eight unlinked) covering 766 cM with an average intermarker spacing of 9.8 cM. Analysis of markers informative in both parents showed a significantly higher recombination rate in the female parent, with an average male-to-female recombination ratio of 1:1.45 between linked pairs of markers. This linkage map represents a significant advancement in the genetic resource available for H. rubra and provides a framework for future quantitative trait loci mapping and eventual implementation of marker-assisted selection.

Microsatellite analysis of Japanese sea cucumber, Stichopus (Apostichopus) japonicus, supports reproductive isolation in color variants

The genetic relationship among the three color variants (Red, Green, and Black) of the Japanese sea cucumber, S. japonicus, was investigated using 11 microsatellite markers. Genetic differentiation testing among the three sympatric color types showed the strong heterogeneity of Red (p<0.001), while no significant difference was observed between Green and Black (p=0.301 to 0.961). UPGMA trees constructed from 10 sample lots from 5 localities showed two distinct clusters, one from the Red types and the other from the Green and Black types. In addition, the sympatric Green and Black formed one subcluster with strong bootstrap support at each locality. These results indicate the separate species status of Red and the other color types, and also support the population identity of sympatric Green and Black.

A preliminary genetic linkage map of the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

Preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed for the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai Ino) using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), and microsatellite markers segregating in a F(1) family. Nine microsatellite loci, 41 RAPD, and 2688 AFLP markers were genotyped in the parents and 86 progeny of the mapping family. Among the 2738 markers, 384 (including 365 AFLP markers, 10 RAPD markers, and 9 microsatellite loci) were polymorphic and segregated in one or both parents: 241 in the female and 146 in the male. The majority of these markers, 232 in the female and 134 in the male, segregated according to the expected 1:1 Mendelian ratio (alpha = 0.05). Two genetic linkage maps were constructed using markers segregating in the female or the male parent. The female framework map consisted of 119 markers in 22 linkage groups, covering 1773.6 cM with an average intermarker space of 18.3 cM. The male framework map contained 94 markers in 19 linkage groups, spanning 1365.9 cM with an average intermarker space of 18.2 cM. The sex determination locus was mapped to the male map but not to the female map, suggesting a XY-male determination mechanism. Distorted markers showing excess of homozygotes were mapped in clusters, probably because of their linkage to a gene that is incompatible between two parental populations.

Effects of cold shock on microtubule organization and cell cycle in gynogenetically activated eggs of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Cytological changes and subsequent mitotic processes were studied in gynogenetically activated eggs of olive flounder subjected to cold-shock treatment using indirect immunofluorescence staining of isolated blastodisks. Obvious differences between controls and treated eggs were detected during early cell division. The developmental process of haploid control was similar to that of the diploid control except several minutes delayed. Spindles disassembled by the cold-shock treatment regenerated soon after treatment, resulting in the occurrence of the first mitosis. The immature daughter centriole was easily depolymerized by cold-shock treatment, leading to the formation of the bipolar spindle in the first cell cycle and the formation of the monopolar spindle in the second cell cycle, resulting in chromosome set doubling. Some two-cell stage eggs had a monopolar spindle in one blastomere and a bipolar spindle in another during the second mitosis. These eggs had a high potency developing into haploid-diploid mosaics. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to clarify the mechanism of chromosome set doubling in marine fishes and provides a preliminary cytological basis for developing a reliable and efficient protocol for mitotic gynogenesis induction by cold-shock treatment in olive flounder.

Isolation, characterization, and expression analysis of three actin genes in the New Zealand black-footed abalone, Haliotis iris

Three actin genes -- H. irisA1, H. irisA2, and H. irisA3 -- from the mollusc Haliotis iris (New Zealand black-footed abalone) were isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The genes were similar to molluscan (84.1% to 94.9%) and vertebrate (84.5% to 86.6%) actins. The sequence similarity between the genes ranged from 88.5% to 93.2%. The greatest disparity, 32.3%, was found over a 99-nt region located at nt 808-906 of H. irisA1, corresponding to amino acids 212-244 of the three actins. The H. iris actin gene family contains at least eight members. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis of the three genes showed H. irisA1 and H. irisA2 were expressed at low levels in fertilized eggs and blastula stages and at high levels in trochophore and veliger larvae. H. irisA3 was detected in fertilized eggs; it was not detected in the blastula stages and at high levels in the trochophore and veliger larvae. The structure and expression of the three actin genes are discussed.

Segregation of microsatellite alleles in gynogenetic diploid Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai)

Inheritance of 9 microsatellite loci was examined in 3 families of gynogenetic Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai produced by fertilizing eggs with UV-irradiated sperm followed by inhibition of the second meiotic division. The proportion of heterozygous progeny was used to estimate marker-centromere (M-C) distances. All loci conformed to Mendelian segregation in the control crosses when null alleles were accounted for. The absence of paternal alleles confirmed the gynogenetic origin of the offspring and indicated 100% success for 3 families. Estimated recombinant frequencies ranged from 0.10 to 0.60, which is lower than those observed in other gynogenetic diploid animals. The mean recombination frequency was 0.22, corresponding to a fixation index of 0.78 in one generation. This is 3.12 times the increase in homozygosity expected after one generation of sib mating (0.25), suggesting meiotic gynogenesis may be an effective means of rapid inbreeding in the abalone. M-C map distances for the 9 loci varied between 5 and 30 cM under the assumption of complete interference. The information about M-C distances will be useful for future gene mapping in H. discus hannai.

Isolation and characterization of twenty microsatellite loci in Japanese sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus)

Twenty microsatellite markers were first developed from the Japanese sea cucumber Stichopus japonicus using an enrichment protocol. Of the 20 microsatellite loci, 19 loci were polymorphic in the population examined. At these polymorphic loci, the number of alleles per locus varied from 2 to 15, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.97, which is considerably higher than those previously found for allozymes. The high variability of the microsatellite markers identified in this study will make them excellent tools for genetic analyses of S. japonicus.