Development and validation of class I SSR markers targeting (GATA)n repeat motifs in rice

SSR markers targeting (GATA) n motifs are known to be highly polymorphic and useful in many organisms. (GATA) n motif specific SSR markers covering the whole rice genome are not available. The present study was carried out with an objective to identify class I rice microsatellites in the rice genome with (GATA)n motifs, in-silico, and validate their potential as molecular markers. A total of 243 such motifs were identified; 65 of these were present in the genic region, 59 were in the upstream region and the remaining motifs were found in the intergenic regions. Many of the (GATA) n motifs were found within and/or upstream of genes associated with biotic or abiotic stress tolerance. A total of 230 PCR-based markers targeting all the class I (GATA) n microsatellites were developed and 35 of these markers spread across the rice genome were validated in a set of 24 representative rice varieties belonging to five distinct cultivar groups. All the markers were polymorphic, with average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.61, and the rice cultivars could be uniquely distinguished into different cultivar groups based on marker analysis. These informative markers targeting (GATA) n motifs representing a new set of markers in rice will be highly useful for genetic studies and marker-assisted selection.