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Genetic sexing of pinnipeds: a real-time, single step qPCR technique

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Abstract

Existing molecular techniques to determine sex of pinnipeds rely on multiplex PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, and are consequently expensive, time consuming, insensitive and involve handling hazardous DNA-binding dyes. We developed a qPCR high resolution melt assay that involves a single multiplex PCR with dissociation/melting-curve analysis to determine the melting point temperatures (Tm) of two PCR products. Two sets of primers were selected to amplify short regions of the SRY and ZFX/ZFY loci for molecular sex identification. Primers were designed based on alignment of a broad range of pinniped species to maximize applicability for most or all of the 33 species representing two complete superfamilies in the sub-order Caniformia. The assay was validated using 15 pinniped species totaling 122 animals of known sex. The co-amplification of short products also demonstrated improved results for sex determination of degraded samples. The use of a single step qPCR saves time and reduces the cost of running sex determination tests through reduction of labor and supply costs. This new technique will generate results more quickly and reliably, aiding in the study of population health and sex-specific dispersal and behavior patterns.

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Acknowledgements

We thank our Lab Manager, Victoria Pease, and Lab Technician, Tiffany Lowe, for their dedicated help. We are grateful to all the organizations that contributed samples, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, National Marine Fisheries Service (Alaska Region—Stranding Program, West Coast Region’s fishery observers and Stranding Program, National Marine Mammal Lab, SWFSC’s Antarctic Division), and the Zoological Foundation of El Salvador. All samples were collected under the appropriate NMFS, Marine Mammal Protection Act permits and imported (where necessary) under CITES permit. Funding was provided by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Marine Mammal and Turtle Division. Helpful comments were provided by Brittany Hancock-Hanser and two anonymous reviewers.

Author contributions

KMR and PAM conceived the study and wrote the manuscript. KMR and MLL conducted the laboratory work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA

    Kelly M. Robertson & Phillip A. Morin

  2. Ocean Associates Inc., under contract to SWFSC, NMFS, NOAA, 8901 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA

    Morgane L. Lauf

Authors
  1. Kelly M. Robertson
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  2. Morgane L. Lauf
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  3. Phillip A. Morin
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Correspondence to Kelly M. Robertson.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Robertson, K.M., Lauf, M.L. & Morin, P.A. Genetic sexing of pinnipeds: a real-time, single step qPCR technique. Conservation Genet Resour 10, 213–218 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-017-0759-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12686-017-0759-4

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