Genetic characterization of novel polymorphic microsatellite markers for Epilobium nankotaizanense (Onagraceae), an endemic and threaten herb in Taiwan. Microsatellite primers of Epilobium nankotaizanense

Epilobium nankotaizanense is an endemic and endangered herbaceous species and grow in high mountains of Taiwan above 3,300 m in elevation. The alpine herbs are severely threatened by climate changes and consequently led to reduction of habitats, and population size. However, little studies have addressed the genetic diversity, and population genetics. In this study, we will aim to develop a new set of microsatellite markers for E. nankotaizanense using high-throughput genome sequencing data. In totally, 20 polymorphic microsatellites markers were developed, and tested on the 30 individuals collected from three natural populations. These loci were successfully amplified and showed polymorphisms within E. nankotaizanense. The number of alleles per locus (A) ranged from 2.000 to 3.000. The observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 0.929 and 0.034 to 0.631, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite markers will be useful in future conservation genetic studies of E. nankotaizanense for developing effective conservation strategy.

南湖柳叶菜（Epilobium nankotaizanense）是中国台湾特有的濒危草本植物，仅分布于海拔3300米以上的台湾高山区域。该高山草本类群正遭受气候变化的严重威胁，生境与种群规模均出现缩减。然而，目前针对该物种的遗传多样性及种群遗传学研究仍相对匮乏。本研究依托高通量基因组测序（high-throughput genome sequencing）数据，旨在为南湖柳叶菜开发一套全新的微卫星标记（microsatellite marker）。本研究共开发出20个多态性微卫星标记，并利用采自3个自然种群的30份个体样本对其进行了验证。结果显示，这些基因座均成功实现扩增，且在南湖柳叶菜种群中表现出多态性。每个基因座的等位基因数（A）介于2.000至3.000之间；观测杂合度（Ho）与期望杂合度（He）的取值范围分别为0.000至0.929和0.034至0.631。这套多态性微卫星标记可为后续开展南湖柳叶菜的保护遗传学研究、制定高效保护策略提供有力支撑。