In our laboratory, we primarily use microsatellite DNA markers but also have ongoing projects involving DNA sequencing and some initial SNP work through colleagues. We developed the first microsatellites for northern pike (Miller and Kapuscinski 1996, 1997), walleye (Borer et al. 1999), and slimy sculpin (Fujishin et al. 2009) and additional markers for fathead minnows (Ardren et al. 2002). We also routinely use microsatellites developed by other laboratories for salmonids, catfish, northern pike, crappies, sculpin, carp and muskellunge.
Our molecular facilities are set up primarily for DNA extractions and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most downstream analyses are conducted at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC), a core molecular genetic services laboratory on our campus. The UMGC has ABI Prism 3730xl DNA analyzers for sequencing and microsatellite DNA analysis. The center also provides custom DNA synthesis of oligonucleotide primers.