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19 pages, 6155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Two Amathusiini Species (Lepidoideae: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae): Characterization, Comparative Analyses, and Phylogenetic Implications

by Qinghui Shi, Xinyue Wang, Jianhong Xing, Xiaoyun Xu, Gang Sun and Juncheng Zhang

Genes 2025, 16(4), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16040447 - 12 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 356

Abstract

Background: The Satyrinae subfamily represents a taxonomically critical group within Nymphalidae, characterized by its remarkable species diversity. Despite its evolutionary significance, the phylogenetic relationships among tribal and subtribal lineages remain poorly resolved. Although mitochondrial genomes have become crucial molecular markers in [...] Read more.

Background: The Satyrinae subfamily represents a taxonomically critical group within Nymphalidae, characterized by its remarkable species diversity. Despite its evolutionary significance, the phylogenetic relationships among tribal and subtribal lineages remain poorly resolved. Although mitochondrial genomes have become crucial molecular markers in Lepidoptera phylogenetics, their potential remains underutilized in the systematics of Satyrinae. Notably, Amathusiini exhibits a particular paucity, with only two congeneric representatives having been comprehensively sequenced to date. Methods: We employed high-throughput sequencing to assemble the complete mitochondrial genomes of two Amathusiini species, Discophora sondaica and Aemona amathusia. Our study revealed novel evolutionary insights through comparative genomics, which encompassed all available Satyrinae mitochondrial genomes. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic reconstruction using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, utilizing the most extensive dataset to date. Results: The closed, circular mitochondrial genomes measure 15,333 bp for D. sondaica and 15,423 bp for A. amathusia, maintaining the ancestral lepidopteran architecture: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and an AT-rich control region. Comparative analyses of 71 mitochondrial genomes revealed strong evolutionary conservation across multiple parameters: nucleotide composition (AT content range: 77.9–81.8%), codon usage bias (ENC = 30.83–37.55), tRNA secondary structures, and control region organization. All PCGs showed purifying selection signals (Ka/Ks < 1.0), with atp8 exhibiting the highest evolutionary rate (Ka/Ks = 0.277). Phylogenetic reconstructions yielded congruent tribal-level topologies with strong nodal support: ((Satyrini + Melanitini) + (Amathusiini + Elymniini) + Zetherini), confirming a sister relationship between Amathusiini and Elymniini. Within Satyrini, five subtribes formed monophyletic groups: Ypthimina, Erebiina, Maniolina, Satyrina, and Melanargiina, arranged as ((Ypthimina + (Erebiina + Maniolina)) + (Satyrina + Melanargiina)). Mycalesina, Lethina, and Parargina comprised a well-supported clade (BS = 100%; PP = 1.0), though internal relationships required further resolution due to Lethina’s polyphyly. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into mitochondrial genomic evolution within the Satyrinae subfamily while elucidating the efficacy of mitogenomic data for resolving deep phylogenetic relationships within this ecologically significant subfamily. Our findings establish critical genome baselines for further systematic research and underscore essential pathways for refining subtribal-level taxonomy through integrative molecular approaches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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14 pages, 4165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The First Complete Mitochondrial Genomes for the Genus Dianema (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae): Dianema longibarbis and D. urostriatum

by Seong Duk Do and Jae-Sung Rhee

Genes 2025, 16(3), 355; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16030355 - 20 Mar 2025

Viewed by 386

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To date, no information is available on the complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Dianema (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a callichthyid catfish. In this study, we report on two complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Dianema longibarbis Cope, 1872, and Dianema urostriatum Miranda Ribeiro, 1912, the [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: To date, no information is available on the complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Dianema (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a callichthyid catfish. In this study, we report on two complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Dianema longibarbis Cope, 1872, and Dianema urostriatum Miranda Ribeiro, 1912, the only two recognized species within the genus Dianema. Methods: DNA sequencing was performed using the HiSeq platform to obtain their complete mitogenomes. To confirm phylogenetic distance, two phylogenetic trees were established using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference methods with all concatenated protein-coding sequences (PCGs) and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes from the D. longibarbis and D. urostriatum mitogenomes, along with 32 mitogenomes retrieved from Siluriformes. Results: The complete mitogenomes of D. longibarbis and D. urostriatum are 16,493 and 16,495 base pairs in length, respectively. Their nucleotide compositions are 31.79% A, 27.53% T, 25.86% C, and 14.82% G for D. longibarbis, and 31.69% A, 27.04% T, 26.36% C, and 14.91% G for D. urostriatum. Both mitogenomes contain 13 PCGs, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and two rRNA genes. Phylogenetic results based on all PCGs and two rRNAs genes confirm D. longibarbis as a sister species to D. urostriatum in the subfamily Callichthyinae. Conclusions: In contrast to the extensive mitochondrial studies on species in the Corydoradinae, species in the Callichthyinae have been largely understudied. This study provides valuable insights into genetic diversity and evolutionary complexity by presenting the first mitochondrial genome analysis of two Dianema species, a genus within the Callichthyinae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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14 pages, 5329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Description of Intergenic Sequences in Corydoradinae and Introducing the Complete Mitogenome of Hoplisoma concolor (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae)

by Seong Duk Do and Jae-Sung Rhee

Genes 2025, 16(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16030282 - 26 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 578

Abstract

Background/Objectives: In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hoplisoma concolor Weitzman, 1961 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a callichthyid catfish. Methods: DNA sequencing was performed to obtain its complete mitogenome using the HiSeq platform. To assess the phylogenetic relationships, maximum-likelihood [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hoplisoma concolor Weitzman, 1961 (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a callichthyid catfish. Methods: DNA sequencing was performed to obtain its complete mitogenome using the HiSeq platform. To assess the phylogenetic relationships, maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic trees were constructed using two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and all protein-coding sequences (PCGs) concatenated from the H. concolor mitogenome, along with 31 other Siluriformes mitogenomes. Results: The complete mitogenome of H. concolor is 16,579 base pairs in length, with a nucleotide composition of 32.2% A, 26.0% T, 15.3% G, and 26.5% C. It contains 13 PCGs, 22 transfer RNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on all PCGs and two rRNAs of the complete mitogenome confirms H. concolor as a sister species of H. panda within the subfamily Corydoradinae. In addition, intergenic sequences between atp6 and cox3 of 21 species of Corydoradinae provide further support for their phylogenetic relationship. Conclusions: Given the lack of detailed descriptions regarding the length and nucleotide composition of these intergenic sequences, our study contributes valuable insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary complexity of Callichthyidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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15 pages, 4694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characterization of the Mitochondrial Genome of Fulgoraria rupestris and Phylogenetic Considerations within the Neogastropoda

by Jiale Ma, Xiangli Dong, Kaida Xu, Jiaying Zeng, Zhongming Wang and Jiji Li

Genes 2024, 15(8), 1076; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081076 - 14 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1082

Abstract

Fulgoraria rupestris is a predatory marine gastropod belonging to Neogastropoda and possessing considerable taxonomic significance. However, research on this species remains limited. We acquired the complete mitochondrial genome of F. rupestris through second-generation sequencing and conducted an analysis of its genome structural features. [...] Read more.

Fulgoraria rupestris is a predatory marine gastropod belonging to Neogastropoda and possessing considerable taxonomic significance. However, research on this species remains limited. We acquired the complete mitochondrial genome of F. rupestris through second-generation sequencing and conducted an analysis of its genome structural features. The mitochondrial genome of F. rupestris spans a total length of 16,223 bp and encompasses 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs, and 2 ribosomal RNAs). Notably, most tRNAs exhibit the typical cloverleaf structure, but there is an absence of the Dihydrouridine (DHU) arm in the trnS1 and trnS2 genes. The A + T content is 68.67%, indicating a pronounced AT bias. Additionally, we conducted a selection pressure analysis on the mitochondrial genomes of four species within Volutidae, revealing that all PCGs are subjected to purifying selection. In comparison to other species within Neogastropoda, F. rupestris shares an identical gene arrangement. Additionally, based on mitochondrial genome sequences of the 13 PCGs from 50 species within Neogastropoda, we constructed a phylogenetic tree. The phylogenetic tree indicates F. rupestris forms a clade with species within the family Volutidae (Cymbium olla, Neptuneopsis gilchristi, and Melo melo). This study serves as a valuable reference for future research on F. rupestris, offering insights for the upcoming phylogenetic and taxonomic classification within Neogastropoda. Furthermore, the findings provide valuable information for the development of genetic resources in this context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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13 pages, 2139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Mitochondrial COI Gene and Genetic Diversity of Endangered Goose Breeds

by Hao Wu, Shangzong Qi, Suyu Fan, Haoyu Li, Yu Zhang, Yang Zhang, Qi Xu and Guohong Chen

Genes 2024, 15(8), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15081037 - 6 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1544

Abstract

The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes of six endangered goose breeds (Xupu, Yangjiang, Yan, Wuzong, Baizi, and Lingxian) were sequenced and compared to assess the genetic diversity of endangered goose breeds. By constructing phylogenetic trees and evolutionary maps [...] Read more.

The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes of six endangered goose breeds (Xupu, Yangjiang, Yan, Wuzong, Baizi, and Lingxian) were sequenced and compared to assess the genetic diversity of endangered goose breeds. By constructing phylogenetic trees and evolutionary maps of genetic relationships, the affinities and degrees of genetic variations among the six different breeds were revealed. A total of 92 polymorphic sites were detected in the 741 bp sequence of the mtDNA COI gene after shear correction, and the GC content of the processed sequence (51.11%) was higher than that of the AT content (48.89%). The polymorphic loci within the populations of five of the six breeds (Xupu, Yangjiang, Yan, Baizi, and Lingxian) were more than 10, the haplotype diversity > 0.5, and the nucleotide diversity (Pi) > 0.005, with the Baizi geese being the exception. A total of 35 haplotypes were detected based on nucleotide variation among sequences, and the goose breed haplotypes showed a central star-shaped dispersion; the FST values were −0.03781 to 0.02645, The greatest genetic differentiation (FST = 0.02645) was observed in Yan and Wuzong breeds. The most frequent genetic exchange (Nm > 15.00) was between the Wuzong and Yangjiang geese. An analysis of molecular variance showed that the population genetic variation mainly came from within the population; the base mismatch differential distribution analysis of the goose breeds and the Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs neutral detection of the historical occurrence dynamics of their populations were negative (p > 0.10). The distribution curve of the base mismatches showed a multimodal peak, which indicated that the population tended to be stabilised. These results provide important genetic information for the conservation and management of endangered goose breeds and a scientific basis for the development of effective conservation strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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11 pages, 2798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Complete Mitochondrial Genome for Lucilia cuprina dorsalis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from the Northern Territory, Australia

by Shilpa Kapoor, Ying Ting Yang, Robyn N. Hall, Robin B. Gasser, Vernon M. Bowles, Trent Perry and Clare A. Anstead

Genes 2024, 15(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040506 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1782

Abstract

The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina dorsalis, is a major sheep ectoparasite causing subcutaneous myiasis (flystrike), which can lead to reduced livestock productivity and, in severe instances, death of the affected animals. It is also a primary colonizer of carrion, an efficient [...] Read more.

The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina dorsalis, is a major sheep ectoparasite causing subcutaneous myiasis (flystrike), which can lead to reduced livestock productivity and, in severe instances, death of the affected animals. It is also a primary colonizer of carrion, an efficient pollinator, and used in maggot debridement therapy and forensic investigations. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of L. c. dorsalis from the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, where sheep are prohibited animals, unlike the rest of Australia. The mt genome is 15,943 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and a non-coding control region. The gene order of the current mt genome is consistent with the previously published L. cuprina mt genomes. Nucleotide composition revealed an AT bias, accounting for 77.5% of total mt genome nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses of 56 species/taxa of dipterans indicated that L. c. dorsalis and L. sericata are the closest among all sibling species of the genus Lucilia, which helps to explain species evolution within the family Luciliinae. This study provides the first complete mt genome sequence for L. c. dorsalis derived from the NT, Australia to facilitate species identification and the examination of the evolutionary history of these blowflies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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22 pages, 8094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Mitogenome Analysis of Two Native Apple Snail Species (Ampullariidae, Pomacea) from Peruvian Amazon

by Alejandro Mendivil, Rina Ramírez, Jaime Morin, Jorge L. Ramirez, Raquel Siccha-Ramirez, Ricardo Britzke, Fátima Rivera, Andre Ampuero, Nilda Oliveros and Carlos Congrains

Genes 2023, 14(9), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14091769 - 7 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3296

Abstract

Apple snails of the genus Pomacea Perry, 1810 (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae) are native to the Neotropics and exhibit high species diversity, holding cultural and ecological significance as an important protein source in Peru. However, most genetic studies in Pomacea have focused mostly on [...] Read more.

Apple snails of the genus Pomacea Perry, 1810 (Mollusca: Caenogastropoda: Ampullariidae) are native to the Neotropics and exhibit high species diversity, holding cultural and ecological significance as an important protein source in Peru. However, most genetic studies in Pomacea have focused mostly on invasive species, especially in Southeast Asia, where they are considered important pests. In this study, we assembled and annotated the mitochondrial genomes of two Pomacea species native to the Peruvian Amazon: Pomacea reevei Ampuero & Ramírez, 2023 and Pomacea aulanieri (Deville & Hupé, 1850). The mitogenomes of P. reevei and P. aulanieri comprise 15,660 and 16,096 bp, respectively, and contain the typical 37 genes of the animal mitochondria with a large control region of 292 bp in P. reevei and 524 bp in P. aulanieri—which fall within the range of what is currently known in Pomacea. Comparisons with previously published mitogenomes in Pomacea revealed differences in the overlapping of adjacent genes, the size of certain protein-coding genes (PCGs) and the secondary structure of some tRNAs that are consistent with the phylogenetic relationships between these species. These findings provide valuable insights into the systematics and genomics of the genus Pomacea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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13 pages, 1322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogenetic Analysis of Russian Native Sheep Breeds Based on mtDNA Sequences

by Olga Koshkina, Tatiana Deniskova, Arsen Dotsev, Elisabeth Kunz, Marina Selionova, Ivica Medugorac and Natalia Zinovieva

Genes 2023, 14(9), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14091701 - 27 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2376

Abstract

Eurasia is represented by all climatic zones and various environments. A unique breed variety of farm animals has been developed in Russia, whose territory covers a large area of the continent. A total of 69 local breeds and types of dairy, wool, and [...] Read more.

Eurasia is represented by all climatic zones and various environments. A unique breed variety of farm animals has been developed in Russia, whose territory covers a large area of the continent. A total of 69 local breeds and types of dairy, wool, and meat sheep (Ovis aries) are maintained here. However, the genetic diversity and maternal origin of these local breeds have not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we describe the diversity and phylogeny of Russian sheep breeds inhabiting different geographical regions based on the analysis of complete sequences of mitochondrial genomes (mtDNA). Complete mtDNA sequences of the studied sheep were obtained using next-generation sequencing technology (NGS). All investigated geographical groups of sheep were characterized by high haplotype (Hd = 0.9992) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00378). Analysis of the AMOVA results showed that genetic diversity was majorly determined by within-population differences (77.87%). We identified 128 haplotypes in all studied sheep. Haplotypes belonged to the following haplogroups: B (64.8%), A (28.9%), C (5.5%), and D (0.8%). Haplogroup B was predominant in the western part of Russia. A high level of mtDNA polymorphism in the studied groups of local sheep indicates the presence of a significant reserve of unique genotypes in Russia, which is to be explored. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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18 pages, 10388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Mitochondrial Genome Sequences between Two Palaemon Species of the Family Palaemonidae (Decapoda: Caridea): Gene Rearrangement and Phylogenetic Implications

by Yuman Sun, Jian Chen, Yingying Ye, Kaida Xu and Jiji Li

Genes 2023, 14(7), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14071499 - 22 Jul 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1869

Abstract

To further understand the origin and evolution of Palaemonidae (Decapoda: Caridea), we determined the mitochondrial genome sequence of Palaemon macrodactylus and Palaemon tenuidactylus. The entire mitochondrial genome sequences of these two Palaemon species encompassed 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 [...] Read more.

To further understand the origin and evolution of Palaemonidae (Decapoda: Caridea), we determined the mitochondrial genome sequence of Palaemon macrodactylus and Palaemon tenuidactylus. The entire mitochondrial genome sequences of these two Palaemon species encompassed 37 typical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a control region (CR). The lengths of their mitochondrial genomes were 15,744 bp (P. macrodactylus) and 15,735 bp (P. tenuidactylus), respectively. We analyzed their genomic features and structural functions. In comparison with the ancestral Decapoda, these two newly sequenced Palaemon species exhibited a translocation event, where the gene order was trnK-trnD instead of trnD-trnK. Based on phylogenetic analysis constructed from 13 PCGs, the 12 families from Caridea can be divided into four major clades. Furthermore, it was revealed that Alpheidae and Palaemonidae formed sister groups, supporting the monophyly of various families within Caridea. These findings highlight the significant gene rearrangements within Palaemonidae and provide valuable evidence for the phylogenetic relationships within Caridea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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19 pages, 4742 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Mytilisepta virgata (Mollusca: Bivalvia), Novel Gene Rearrangements, and the Phylogenetic Relationships of Mytilidae

by Minhui Xu, Zhongqi Gu, Ji Huang, Baoying Guo, Lihua Jiang, Kaida Xu, Yingying Ye and Jiji Li

Genes 2023, 14(4), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14040910 - 13 Apr 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2811

Abstract

The circular mitochondrial genome of Mytilisepta virgata spans 14,713 bp, which contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Analysis of the 13 PCGs reveals that the mitochondrial gene arrangement of Mytilisepta is relatively conserved at the [...] Read more.

The circular mitochondrial genome of Mytilisepta virgata spans 14,713 bp, which contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNA genes. Analysis of the 13 PCGs reveals that the mitochondrial gene arrangement of Mytilisepta is relatively conserved at the genus level. The location of the atp8 gene in Mytilisepta keenae differs from that of other species. However, compared with the putative molluscan ancestral gene order, M. virgata exhibits a high level of rearrangement. We constructed phylogenetic trees based on concatenated 12 PCGs from Mytilidae. As a result, we found that M. virgata is in the same clade as other Mytilisepta spp. The result of estimated divergence times revealed that M. virgata and M. keenae diverged around the early Paleogene period, although the oldest Mytilisepta fossil was from the late or upper Eocene period. Our results provide robust statistical evidence for a sister-group relationship within Mytilida. The findings not only confirm previous results, but also provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of Mytilidae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mitochondrial DNA Replication and Transcription)

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