Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis in the Baiyangdian drainage area, China, using microsatellite markers and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences

Neocaridina denticulata sinensis is a crustacean of major economic significance in the Baiyangdian drainage area. In this study, the first assessment of N. denticulata sinensis genetic diversity and population structure was performed based on sequence analysis of nine polymorphic microsatellite loci and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. Samples (n = 192) were collected from four different regions in the Baiyangdian drainage area i.e., Baiyangdian Lake, Jumahe River, Xidayang Reservoir, and Fuhe River. Microsatellite loci analysis identified high levels of genetic diversity represented by observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.6865 similar to 0.9583, expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.7151 similar to 0.8723, and polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.6676 similar to 0.8585. Based on the analysis of cox1 sequences, haplotype diversity (Hd) ranged from 0.568 to 0.853 while nucleotide diversity (pi) ranged from 0.0029 to 0.2236. Furthermore, there was no evidence of expansion events in the N. denticulata sinensis populations. Pairwise FST revealed pronounced genetic differentiation, and clustering analyses showed defined genetic structures within the N. denticulata sinensis population. Three groups were identified from four sampled stocks, with Xidayang Reservoir, and Fuhe River populations clustered in the same group. This work identified novel molecular markers and provided an important reference to guide management strategies to assist conservation of N. denticulata sinensis resources.

Automated summary

This study conducted the first assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Neocaridina denticulata sinensis, an economically significant crustacean in the Baiyangdian drainage area. High levels of genetic diversity were identified through microsatellite loci analysis and sequence analysis of the cox1 gene. Pronounced genetic differentiation was observed among populations. This work provides important molecular markers and guidance for the management and conservation of N. denticulata sinensis resources.