title: Development of a multiplex PCR assay for fine-scale population genetic analysis of the Komodo monitor Varanus komodoensis based on 18 polymorphic microsatellite loci.
abstract: Multiplex PCR assays for the coamplification of microsatellite loci allow rapid and cost-effective genetic analyses and the production of efficient screening protocols for international breeding programs. We constructed a partial genomic library enriched for di-nucleotide repeats and characterized 14 new microsatellite loci for the Komodo monitor (or Komodo dragon, Varanus komodoensis). Using these novel microsatellites and four previously described loci, we developed multiplex PCR assays that may be loaded on a genetic analyser in three separate panels. We tested the novel set of microsatellites for polymorphism using 69 individuals from three island populations and evaluated the resolving power of the entire panel of 18 loci by conducting (i) a preliminary assignment test to determine population(s) of origin and (ii) a parentage analysis for 43 captive Komodo monitors. This panel of polymorphic loci proved useful for both purposes and thus can be exploited for fine-scale population genetic analyses and as part of international captive breeding programs directed at maintaining genetically viable ex situ populations and reintroductions.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Ecology Laboratory, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125 Florence, Italy. claudio.ciofi@unifi.it
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ciofi
authors.forename: Athanasia C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Tzika
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Natali
authors.forename: Phillip C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.forename: Sri
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sulandari
authors.forename: Moch S A
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Zein
authors.forename: Michel C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Milinkovitch
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D043344:Chordata / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D004247:DNA / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004463:Ecology / Q000379:methods*; D005828:Genetics, Population / Q000379:methods*; D018895:Microsatellite Repeats; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
chemical_list: D004247:DNA