A novel method of caenophidian snake sex identification using molecular markers based on two gametologous genes. Issue 13 (22nd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laopichienpong, Nararat; Tawichasri, Panupong; Chanhome, Lawan; Phatcharakullawarawat, Rattanin; Singchat, Worapong; Kantachumpoo, Attachai; Muangmai, Narongrit; Suntrarachun, Sunutcha; Matsubara, Kazumi; Peyachoknagul, Surin; Srikulnath, Kornsorn
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 7:Issue 13(2017:Jul.)
• Page Start: 4661
• Page End: 4669
• Publication Date: 2017-05-22
• Subjects: CTNNB1 -- gametolog -- sex chromosome -- snake -- WAC; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3057
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Sex identification provides important information for ecological and evolutionary studies, as well as benefiting snake conservation management. Traditional methods such as cloacal probing or cloacal popping are counterproductive for sex identification concerning very small species, resulting in difficulties in the management of their breeding programs. In this study, the nucleotide sequences of gametologous genes ( CTNNB1 and WAC genes) were used for the development of molecular sexing markers in caenophidian snakes. Two candidate markers were developed with the two primer sets, and successfully amplified by a single band on the agarose gel in male (ZZ) and two bands, differing in fragment sizes, in female (ZW) of 16 caenophidian snakes for CTNNB1 and 12 caenophidian snakes for WAC . Another candidate marker was developed with the primer set to amplify the specific sequence for CTNNB1 W homolog, and the PCR products were successfully obtained in a female‐specific 250‐bp DNA bands. The three candidate PCR sexing markers provide a simple sex identification method based on the amplification of gametologous genes, and they can be used to facilitate effective caenophidian snake conservation and management programs. Abstract : Molecular sexing markers in caenophidian snake species were developed using different nucleotide sequences of gametologous genes ( CTNNB1 and WAC genes) between Z and W homologs. The three candidate PCR sexing markers provide a simple sex identification method based on the amplification of gametologous genes, and they can be used to facilitate effective caenophidian snake conservation and management programs.