FishDNAIDs: DNA barcoding as a tool in the development and validation in silico and in vitro of detection systems to four species of Characiformes of commercial importance in the Brazilian Amazon.

Background: The COI mitochondrial gene has been chosen as the "DNA barcode in animals" and the large quantity of genetic information in public databanks gives solid support for the use of DNA barcoding as a promising tool for the development of a specific molecular detection system.

Methods And Results: The present study aimed to develop a Specific Molecular Detection System (SMDS: FishDNAIDs) (primers and probe sets) for the following four target species: Prochilodus nigricans, Potamorhina altamazonica, Psectrogaster rutiloides and Triportheus angulatus, in qPCR assays. In silico and in vitro tests (using gDNA) were performed to test these sets.

Identification and validation of the first EST-SSR markers based on transcriptome of Anopheles darlingi, the primary transmitter of malaria in Brazil.

Background: Anopheles darlingi is a monotypic species in terms of its morphological, genetic, and behavioral aspects and is the primary transmitter of human malaria (99%) in Brazil, especially in the Brazilian Amazon. In this pioneering study, 15 expressed sequence tag (EST)-simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were obtained and characterized in samples from the municipality of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas state, Brazil, with polymorphisms that can be used for further genetic research.

Methods And Results: The specimens (from egg to larval stage) collected were bred in the insectary at INPA (National Institute for Amazonian Research).

Screening for FMR1 expanded alleles in patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Manaus, Northern Brazil.

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by dynamic mutations of a CGG repetition segment in an X chromosome's single gene. It is considered the leading hereditary cause of both Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability. Some authors suggest that all individuals diagnosed with some of these latter conditions to be clinically and molecularly trialled for FXS due to the high levels of comorbidity between both conditions and also due to the variable expressiveness of this syndrome.

Genetic structure and historical diversification of catfish Brachyplatystoma platynemum (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in the Amazon basin with implications for its conservation.

Brachyplatystoma platynemum is a catfish species widely distributed in the Amazon basin. Despite being considered of little commercial interest, the decline in other fish populations has contributed to the increase in the catches of this species. The structure, population genetic variability, and evolutionary process that have driven the diversification of this species are presently unknown.

Microsatellite loci for tucumã of Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum) and amplification in other Arecaceae.

Premise Of The Study: Microsatellite loci were developed for tucumã of Amazonas (Astrocaryum aculeatum), and cross-species amplification was performed in six other Arecaceae, to investigate genetic diversity and population structure and to provide support for natural populations management. •

Methods And Results: Fourteen microsatellite loci were isolated from a microsatellite-enriched genomic library and used to characterize two wild populations of tucumã of Amazonas (Manaus and Manicoré cities). The investigated loci displayed high polymorphism for both A.