Cross-Amplification in Strigiformes: A New STR Panel for Forensic Purposes

Genes

Patrizia Giangregorio¹  Claudia Greco¹  Lorenzo Naldi¹  Anna Padula¹  Nadia Mucci¹  Chiara Mengoni¹  Giovanni Argenti²  Renato Fani³  Marco Zaccaroni³ 

[1] Conservation Genetics Area, Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, Via Ca’ Fornacetta 9, Ozzano dell’Emilia, 40064 Bologna, Italy;Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry (DAGRI), University of Florence, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144 Florence, Italy;Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy;

关键词: cross-amplification;    microsatellites;    Strigiformes;    forensic;    illegal trade;    kinship;   

DOI  :  10.3390/genes12111721

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Strigiformes are affected by a substantial decline mainly caused by habitat loss and destruction, poaching, and trapping. Moreover, the increasing trend in bird trade and the growing interest in wild-caught rather than captive-bred birds are expected to encourage illegal trade. The biomolecular investigation represents a valuable tool to track illegal trade and to explore the genetic variability to preserving biodiversity. Microsatellite loci (STRs) are the most used markers to study genetic variability. Despite the availability of species-specific microsatellite loci in Strigiformes, a unique panel permitting the description of the genetic variability across species has not been identified yet. We tested 32 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers to evaluate the reliability of a unique microsatellite panel in different species of Strigiformes and its use for conservation and forensic purposes. We included in the study 84 individuals belonging to 28 parental groups and 11 species of Strigiformes. After screening polymorphic microsatellite loci, the description of genetic variability, and the kinship assessment, we characterized a final panel of 12 microsatellite loci able to identify individuals in 9 Strigiformes species. This STR panel might support the authorities in the forensic investigation for suspected smugglers and false parental claims; moreover, it can be useful to evaluate relatedness among individuals in captive-bred populations and to implement research projects finalized to the description of the genetic variability in wild populations.

【 授权许可】

Unknown