Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci from the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli)

Thirteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for golden mouse using an enrichment protocol. The markers were tested on 37 golden mouse specimens collected from southern Illinois. Numbers of alleles ranged from 3 to 11 with observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.29 to 0.92. Three of the loci exhibit nominally significant excesses of homozygosity, but none were significant following a correction for multiple tests. None of the loci appear to be linked. Although golden mouse is not considered at risk in the core of its range, peripheral populations in several states are considered threatened or otherwise at risk due to low population densities. Because of the evolutionary distinctiveness of Ochrotomys , species-specific primers are needed to identify patterns of gene flow among core and peripheral populations.