Using ISSR markers in determination of genetic relationship between 2n = 54 and 2n = 60 cytotypes of Nannospalax xanthodon (Nordmann, 1840) (Mammalia, Rodentia) from Central Anatolia

Abstract

A total of 36 samples of 2n = 54 and 2n = 60 cytotypes of Nannospalax xanthodon, distributed in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, were analyzed for the first time by using inter-simple sequence repeat-polymerase chain reaction (ISSR-PCR) technique. The analysis revealed 112 ISSR bands, 101 of which were polymorphic. Seven ISSR primers ((AG) 8 T, (GGAGA) 5 , (GACA) 4 , (TG) 8 A, (CAG) 5 GC, (CAG) 4 AC and (GA) 8 AC)) were optimized from total 20 primers. (AG) 8 T and (GA) 8 AC primers were most informative to distinguish cytotypes by producing specific bands for 2n = 54 and 2n = 60. The cytotypes in genetically close relationships were separated into three different groups by UPGMA cluster analysis, in which, the highest genetic diversity was measured for 2n = 60. Our results showed that ISSR markers can be used as a simple and reliable molecular tool, for the estimation of genetic diversity in cytotypes of Nannospalax at low range genetic distances. How to cite this article: