Microsatellite Markers

CD BioSciences offers cutting-edge microsatellite marker analysis services for a wide range of applications in conservation biology, wildlife management, fisheries, agriculture, and more. Our expertise in molecular ecology and genetics, coupled with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, enables us to deliver accurate and reliable results that empower researchers, conservationists, and industry professionals to make informed decisions.

Fig 1. Microsatellites as Molecular Markers for Aquatic Animal Populations (Roman W., et al., 2023)

What are Microsatellite Markers

Microsatellites, also known as Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) or Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), are short, repeating sequences of DNA found throughout the genomes of most organisms. These sequences consist of 2-6 base pair motifs repeated multiple times, and the number of repeats at a specific locus can vary significantly between individuals and species. This high degree of polymorphism makes microsatellites ideal genetic markers for a variety of applications.

Technical Principles

Microsatellite marker analysis service involves the following steps:

DNA Extraction: High-quality DNA is extracted from your samples using appropriate methods depending on the sample type (e.g., tissue, blood, hair, feathers, scales, etc.).

PCR Amplification: Specific primers designed to flank the microsatellite loci of interest are used to amplify these regions from the extracted DNA using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Fragment Analysis: The PCR products are analyzed based on their size using capillary electrophoresis. Since the number of repeats varies between individuals, the amplified fragments will differ in length, generating unique profiles.

Data Analysis: The resulting data is analyzed using sophisticated software to determine allele frequencies, genetic diversity, population structure, and other relevant parameters depending on your research question..

Technical Features

High Polymorphism: The high level of variability allows for fine-scale discrimination between individuals and species.
Co-dominant Inheritance: Both alleles from an individual can be detected, enabling population genetic studies and parentage analysis.
Relative Abundance: Microsatellites are abundant throughout the genome, providing a large number of potential markers.
Cost-Effectiveness: Once developed, microsatellite markers are relatively inexpensive to use.
Wide Applicability: Microsatellites can be used for a wide range of species and sample types.

Technical Classification

We offer analysis of various types of microsatellites, including:

Genomic SSRs: These are derived from the nuclear genome and are widely used for population genetics, species identification, and linkage mapping.
Chloroplast SSRs (cpSSRs): Derived from the chloroplast genome, cpSSRs are particularly useful for studying plant phylogeny and phylogeography due to their maternal inheritance.
Mitochondrial SSRs (mtSSRs): These markers are located in the mitochondrial genome and are often used in animal studies due to their maternal inheritance and high mutation rate.

Applications Across Diverse Sectors

Our microsatellite marker analysis service can be applied to a diverse range of fields, including:

Conservation Biology:

Assessing genetic diversity and population structure of endangered species, identifying cryptic species and evolutionary significant units (ESUs), monitoring population connectivity and gene flow, detecting hybridization and introgression. Informing conservation management strategies.

Fisheries Management:

Identifying fish stocks and populations, tracking migration patterns and connectivity, assessing the impact of fishing pressure on genetic diversity, supporting sustainable fisheries management practices.

Wildlife Management:

Monitoring population dynamics and demographics, identifying individuals for wildlife forensics and anti-poaching efforts, studying mating systems and reproductive success, assessing the impact of habitat fragmentation and climate change.

Agriculture:

Characterizing crop varieties and germplasm diversity, assisting in breeding programs for improved yield and disease resistance, assessing genetic diversity in livestock for conservation and production, tracing the origin and authenticity of agricultural products.

Microbial Identification:

Identifying and tracking bacterial and fungal pathogens, studying microbial diversity and community structure, monitoring the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Environmental Benefits

Supporting conservation efforts: By providing valuable genetic data for conservation planning and management.
Promoting sustainable fisheries: By enabling informed decision-making for responsible fisheries management.
Protecting biodiversity: By facilitating the identification and conservation of threatened species.
Enhancing agricultural practices: By supporting the development of sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Our Services

We specialize in leveraging the power of microsatellite markers to provide you with the most accurate and reliable biological species identification services. Our comprehensive suite of services includes:

Custom Microsatellite Marker Development: We design and develop custom microsatellite markers tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the highest level of specificity and sensitivity in species identification.
Genetic Diversity Analysis: We offer in-depth genetic diversity analysis to assess the variability within and between populations, providing valuable insights for conservation and breeding programs.
Population Genetic Structure Assessment: Our services include evaluating the genetic structure of populations, which is crucial for understanding species distribution and migration patterns.
Parentage and Kinship Analysis: We provide robust parentage and kinship analysis to determine the relationships among individuals, aiding in breeding and conservation efforts.
Genetic Purity Assessment: Our services extend to assessing the genetic purity of species, ensuring the integrity of your biological materials .

High-Throughput Genotyping: Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we perform high-throughput genotyping to handle large sample sizes efficiently and accurately.
Data Analysis and Reporting: We offer comprehensive data analysis and reporting services, providing you with clear and actionable insights from your microsatellite data.

Distinctive Service Features

Expertise and Experience: Our team consists of seasoned geneticists and biologists with a proven track record in microsatellite marker development and analysis.
Advanced Technology: We employ the latest high-throughput sequencing technologies to ensure the most accurate and efficient genotyping services.

Customized Solutions: We understand that every project is unique, and we work closely with our clients to develop customized solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Rapid Turnaround Time: We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver results quickly, without compromising on quality.

Contact Us

By choosing our microsatellite markers services, you are partnering with a company that is at the forefront of genetic research and species identification. Contact us today to discover how our services can add value to your projects.

How to Place an Order

Reference

Roman W., et al "Microsatellites as Molecular Markers with Applications in Exploitation and Conservation of Aquatic Animal Populations" Genes 2023, 14(4):808.

Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.

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