Isolating Microsatelline DNA Loci* Travis C. Glenn1,2 and Nancy A. Schable1,2 1Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA 2Department of Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA Contact: Travis Glenn: Phone 803-725-5746; Fax 803-725-3309; E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract A series of techniques are presented to construct genomic DNA libraries highly enriched for microsatellite DNA loci. The individual techniques used here derive from several published protocols, but have been optimized and tested in our research labs as well as classroom settings at the University of South Carolina and University of Georgia, with students achieving nearly 100% success. Reducing the number of manipulations involved has been a key to success, decreasing both the failure rate and the time necessary to isolate loci of interest. These protocols have been successfully used in our lab to isolate microsatellite DNA loci from more than 125 species representing all eukaryotic kingdoms. Using these protocols, the total time to identify candidate loci for primer development from most eukaryotic species can be accomplished in as little as one week. *This information is based on (i.e., PLEASE CITE [using either style]): Glenn, T.C. and N.A. Schable. 2005. Isolating microsatellite DNA loci. Methods in Enzymology 395:202-222. or Glenn TC, Schable NA (2005) Isolating microsatellite DNA loci. Pp. 202-222 In: Methods in Enzymology 395, Molecular Evolution: Producing the Biochemical Data, Part B. (eds Zimmer EA, Roalson EH). Academic Press, San Diego, CA. Isolating Microsatellite DNA Loci p.2 Microsatellite DNA loci have become important sources of genetic information for a variety of purposes (Goldstein and Schlotterer, 1999; Webster and Reichart 2004).