A universal microsatellite multiplex kit for genetic analysis of great apes.

DNA profiling with microsatellite markers is a commonly used genetic method of studying the great apes. An efficient method of generating the genetic data is amplification of multiple microsatellites in a single PCR reaction. Here we describe a PCR multiplex in which 9 genetic markers can be amplified simultaneously, thereby saving time, expenses and DNA. This marker system can discriminate between all the great ape species except bonobos and chimpanzees. Furthermore, the cumulative probability of identity values were low for all 4 species tested. Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.