Abstract Detail

Population Genetics/Genomics

Culley, Theresa M [1], Tunison, Robert [2], Kephart, Susan R [3].

When "Missing Data" has Biological Relevance in Microsatellite Studies Conducted Across Multiple Species.

Traditional population genetic studies with microsatellite markers typically have focused on populations of a single species, using primers developed exclusively for that taxon. However, increasing numbers of genetic studies today take primers developed in one taxon and use those in related species or genera. As a first step in these studies, researchers often test multiple sets of primers from different published papers for cross-amplification success across the different focal taxa. Only those primers that amplify consistently across taxa are typically selected for the final genetic investigation. But is this the correct approach? Is there any value to other primer sets discarded because of inconsistent amplification? We suggest here that there may be cases in which these primers with "missing data" may actually contain biologically relevant information. Using examples from our research with multiple species and populations of Camassia across the U.S., as well as multiple populations of Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stillgrass), we show that the consistent absence of microsatellite bands within some populations or species is genetically relevant and can be used in certain genetic analyses. Consequently we recommend that investigators carefully consider what microsatellite primer pairs they include (or discard) in analyses among different species or across multiple populations of a widespread or genetically variable species.

1 - University Of Cincinnati, Department Of Biological Sciences, 614 Rieveschl Hall, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0006, USA
2 - University of Cincinnati, Biological Sciences, 614 Rieveschl Hall, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0006, USA
3 - WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY, Department Of Biology, SALEM, OR, 97301, USA

Keywords:
missing data
Microsatellite
Camassia
Microstegium vimineum
cross-amplification.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 40, Population Genetics/Genomics
Location: Sundance 5/Omni Hotel
Date: Wednesday, June 28th, 2017
Time: 3:00 PM
Number: 40007
Abstract ID:469
Candidate for Awards:None