Microsatellite evolution--evidence for directionality and variation in rate between species

Nat Genet. 1995 Jul;10(3):337-43. doi: 10.1038/ng0795-337.

Abstract

Microsatellite DNA sequences are rapidly becoming the dominant source of nuclear genetic markers for a wide range of applications, from genome mapping to forensic testing to population studies. If misinterpretation is to be avoided, it is vital that we understand fully the way in which microsatellite sequences evolve. We have therefore compared allele length distributions for 42 microsatellites in humans with their homologues in a range of related primates. We find a highly significant trend for the loci to be longer in humans, showing that microsatellites can evolve directionally and at different rates in closely related species.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Biological Evolution*
  • DNA Primers / genetics
  • DNA, Satellite / genetics*
  • Genetic Markers
  • Humans
  • Models, Genetic
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mutation
  • Pan troglodytes / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Primates / genetics
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
  • Selection, Genetic
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Satellite
  • Genetic Markers