Microsatellite Marker Development by Multiplex Ion Torrent PGM Sequencing: a Case Study of the Endangered Odorrana narina Complex of Frogs

Researchers successfully developed 20 new microsatellite markers for the endangered Ryukyu tip-nosed frog (Odorrana narina) complex using Ion Torrent PGM™ sequencing, demonstrating its efficiency and cost-effectiveness for genetic studies. These markers showed high cross-amplification success across related species (O. amamiensis, O. supranarina, and O. utsunomiyaorum), with 17, 16, and 13 loci amplifying respectively, reflecting their close genetic relationships. The study also revealed that allele diversity and heterozygosity varied by island size, suggesting potential implications for speciation and adaptation. These markers will aid in conservation genetics and molecular ecological research, providing valuable tools for studying these threatened amphibians across their fragmented habitats.

Igawa, T., Nozawa, M., Nagaoka, M., Komaki, S., Oumi, S., Fujii, T., & Sumida, M. (2014). Microsatellite Marker Development by Multiplex Ion Torrent PGM Sequencing: a Case Study of the Endangered Odorrana narina Complex of Frogs. Journal of Heredity, 106(1), 131–137. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esu071