Isolation and Amplification of Microsatellite Loci in White-tailed Deer

Dipen Patel,  Biology (on right in photo with Krista Johns-Harris)

Faculty Mentor: Dr. James V. Bricker

Microsatellite DNA is short tandem repeated sequences of DNA (ex: CGCGCG) found in the non-coding regions of DNA. This DNA is then passed onto future offspring of an organism. Diploid organisms will each hold two homologous copies of a certain microsatellite DNA. A female with 13 and 12 repeating units mated with a male with 14 and 11 repeating units may produce offspring with a variation of genotypes. Each offspring will inherit one of the repeating unit alleles from each parent. Sometimes the replication of such repetitive sequences may cause DNA polymerase to slip, which results in the deletion or addition of extra repeating units. Over time, a diploid population  may contain unique microsatellite DNA sequences as compared to a population of the same species that do not interbreed. This change in microsatellite frequency allows for the analysis of population changes over time.

Microsatellite DNA can be detected through the process of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This summer my partner and I were essentially in charge of extracting DNA from 69 deer samples. At this point all 69 deer samples have been extracted. These procedures can be used to observe the changes in deer populations in the northeast. About a century ago the deer population in New Jersey was almost extinct due to the actions of humans. To resolve this problem, 100 deer from Pennsylvania were imported into New Jersey and released throughout the state. Only until recently has the deer population bounced back from such a low. Observing microsatellite DNA samples from various deer specimens from different time periods can truly show the change the deer population has gone through in the state of New Jersey. Specimens from the 1900s, 1960s, and present day have been obtained in order to extract and analyze the various microsatellite DNA sequences of each population of deer. During the school year I will be locating these specific microsatellite sequences.

Personal Statement

              Research at TCNJ has taught me many things. First, I learned about basic lab techniques such as DNA extraction and amplification through PCR. I have learned about these procedures in Genetics and other biology classes, but never had a chance to perform these procedures first hand. Furthermore, I have learned how to solve problems in an investigative manner. When something went wrong all possible areas had to be analyzed to indicate the exact part of the procedure that was performed incorrectly. This experience has led me to be more a more attentive person to all things in which I partake. Overall, I feel that this experience has trained me to learn from previous failures. Several times, extracting DNA would not work and would have to be redone. This has helped me learn that not everything can be done to work out 100% efficiently, but through meticulous analysis of what I did I realized my mistake and did not make the mistake again.