Update of AMmtDB: a database of multi-aligned metazoa mitochondrial DNA sequences

The AMmtDB database (http://bio-www.ba.cnr.it:8000/srs6/ ) has been updated by collecting the multi-aligned sequences of Chordata mitochondrial genes coding for proteins and tRNAs. The genes coding for proteins are multi-aligned based on the translated sequences and both the nucleotide and amino acid multi-alignments are provided. AMmtDB data selected through SRS can be viewed and managed using GeneDoc or other programs for the management of multi-aligned data depending on the user's operative system. The multiple alignments have been produced with CLUSTALW and PILEUP programs and then carefully optimized manually.     

Update of AMmtDB: a database of multi-aligned Metazoa mitochondrial DNA sequences

The AMmtDB database (http://bighost.area.ba.cnr.it/mitochondriome) has been updated by collecting the multi-aligned sequences of Chordata and Invertebrata mitochondrial genes coding for proteins and tRNAs. Links to the multi-aligned mtDNA intraspecies variants, collected in VarMmtDB at the Mitochondriome web site, have been introduced. The genes coding for proteins are multi-aligned based on the translated sequences and both the nucleotide and amino acid multi-alignments are provided. AMmtDB data selected through SRS can be viewed and managed using GeneDoc or other programs for the management of multi-aligned data depending on the user’s operative system. The multiple alignments have been produced with CLUSTALW and PILEUP programs and then carefully optimized manually.     

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variations and systematics of the genus Distoechodon (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

In the present paper, nucleotide sequences (925–929 bases) of the mitochondrial D-loop region and complete cytochrome b gene (1140 bases) were determined and analysed to investigate the systematic status of the genus Distoechodon . CSB1, CSB2, CSB3, CSB-D and ETAS were successfully identified in the D-loop region. The sequence variations among different samples suggest that Distoechodon compressus is a valid species and has its distribution in Taiwan, and that D. tumirostris multispinnis does not seem to be a valid species.     

南蝠线粒体DNA控制区结构及贵州7个种群遗传多样性的分析研究

采用PCR技术获得了贵州7个南蝠(Ia io)自然种群42个个体的线粒体DNA控制区全序列,长度为1256～1340 bp.对控制区结构进行分析,识别了其延伸的终止结合序列区(包括ETAS1和ETAS2元件)、中央保守区(包括F、E、D、C、B元件)和保守序列区(包括CSB1、CSB2和CSB3元件);同时,在延伸的终止结合序列区还发现了若干能形成发夹结构的主体序列TACAT—ATGTA.在7个自然种群42个个体中共定义了16个单倍型.遗传多样性分析表明:贵州南蝠种群具有较高的单倍型多样性(h=0.945)和中等的核苷酸多样性(π=0.012).基因流、AMOVA和系统进化树分析表明贵州这7个南蝠自然群体间没有发生遗传分化.     

Lineage Specificity of the Evolutionary Dynamics of the mtDNA D-Loop Region in Rodents

This paper reports an intraorder study on the D-loop-containing region of the mitochondrial DNA in rodents. A complete multialignment of this region is not feasible with the exception of some conserved regions. The comparative analysis of 25 complete rodent sequences from 23 species plus one lagomorph has revealed that only the central domain (CD), a conserved region of about 80 bp in the extended termination-associated sequences (ETAS) domain, adjacent to the CD, the ETAS1, and conserved sequence block (CSB) 1 blocks are present in all rodent species, whereas the presence of CSB2 and CSB3 is erratic within the order. We have also found a conserved region of 90 bp located between tRNAPro and ETAS1 present in fat dormouse, squirrel, guinea pig, and rabbit. Repeated sequences are present in both the ETAS and the CSB domain, but the repeats differ in length, copy number, and base composition in different species. The potential use of the D-loop for evolutionary studies has been investigated; the presence/absence of conserved blocks and/or repeated sequences cannot be used as a reliable phylogenetic marker, since in some cases they may be shared by distantly related organisms but not by close ones, while in other ones a relationship between tree topology and presence/absence of such motifs is observed. Better results can be obtained by the use of the CD, which, however, due to its reduced size, when used for tracing a phylogenetic tree, shows some nodes with low statistical support. Received: 26 February 2001 / Accepted: 6 June 2001     

大趾鼠耳蝠线粒体DNA控制区结构及变异

采用PCR产物直接测序法首次测定大趾鼠耳蝠(Myotis macrodactylus)10个个体的线粒体DNA(mtDNA)控制区全序列,并进行了结构和变异分析。结果表明,大趾鼠耳蝠的控制区结构与其他哺乳动物相似,可分为一个中央保守区(包括F、E、D、C、B元件)和两个外围结构域:延伸的终止结合序列区(包括ETAS1和ETAS2元件)和保守序列区(包括CSB1、CSB2和CSB3元件),其中最为保守的是中央保守区(核苷酸变异度为1.8%)。大趾鼠耳蝠控制区核苷酸全序列具有丰富的长度多态性(1778～2048bp),主要是由在碱基组成、重复数目和排列方式上异质的串联重复序列造成的。在ETAS内发现了TACAT及其反向互补序列ATGTA,支持滑移错配模式(slipped mispairing model)。本研究为该物种的进一步研究和保护提供基础遗传数据。     

Comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of three geographical topmouth culter (Culter alburnus) groups and implications for their phylogenetics

Topmouth culter (C. alburnus) is an important commercial fish in China. We compared the nucleotide variations in the mtDNA genomes among three geographical groups of Culter alburnus: Liangzi Lake, Hubei Province (referred to as LZH); Taihu Lake, Jiangsu Province (TH); and Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province (PYH). The similarity of whole mtDNA genomes ranged from 0.992 to 0.999. The similarity among 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and the D-loop sequences was found to range from 0.982 to 0.996. This is useful data for future designing work for making specific molecular marker for distinguishing individuals of C. alburnus from the three geographical groups. An extended termination-associated sequence (ETAS) and several conserved blocks (CSB-F, CSB-E, CSB-D, CSB1, CSB2, and CSB3) were identified in the mtDNA control regions. A phylogenetic analysis shows a monophyletic relationship of the LZF-female and the LZF-male. However, the analysis also showed paraphyletic relationships for the other two geological groups. This result will be useful for the future breeding work of C. alburnus.     

Patterns of single nucleotide polymorphism distribution in hypervariable regions of the D-loop of human mitochondrial DNA

The D4oop of mtDNA is a noncoding locus actively used as an individualizing marker in molecular genetic research. Uneven distribution of SNPs in the D-loop suggests that the functional load within this region is irregular. The nucleotide sequence analysis was used to evaluate the structural and functional role of various D-loop sites of a single individual’s mtDNA an d their importance in terms of phylogenetic conservatism. The role of duplication of various D-loop elements (TAS, ETAS, CSB elements) in increasing the reliability of the mtDNA replication initiation and termination is discussed.     

Sequence and organization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) and barfin flounder (Verasper moseri).

In this work, the mitochondrial genomes for spotted halibut (Verasper variegatus) and barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) were completely sequenced. The entire mitochondrial genome sequences of the spotted halibut and barfin flounder were 17,273 and 17,588 bp in length, respectively. The organization of the two mitochondrial genomes was similar to those reported from other fish mitochondrial genomes containing 37 genes (2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs and 13 protein-coding genes) and two non-coding regions (control region (CR) and WANCY region). In the CR, the termination associated sequence (ETAS), six central conserved block (CSB-A,B,C,D,E,F), three conserved sequence blocks (CSB1-3) and a region of 61-bp tandem repeat cluster at the end of CSB-3 were identified by similarity comparison with fishes and other vertebrates. The tandem repeat sequences show polymorphism among the different individuals of the two species. The complete mitochondrial genomes of spotted halibut and barfin flounder should be useful for evolutionary studies of flatfishes and other vertebrate species.     

DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region of red-backed voles (Clethrionomys)

The complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced for 71 individuals from five species of the rodent genus Clethrionomys both to understand patterns of variation and to explore the existence of previously described domains and other elements. Among species, the control region ranged from 942 to 971 bp in length. Our data were compatible with the proposal of three domains (extended terminal associated sequences [ETAS], central, conserved sequence blocks [CSB]) within the control region. The most conserved region in the control region was the central domain (12% of nucleotide positions variable), whereas in the ETAS and CSB domains, 22% and 40% of nucleotide positions were variable, respectively. Tandem repeats were encountered only in the ETAS domain of Clethrionomys rufocanus. This tandem repeat found in C. rufocanus was 24 bp in length and was located at the 5' end of the control region. Only two of the proposed CSB and ETAS elements appeared to be supported by our data; however, a "CSB1-like" element was also documented in the ETAS domain.     

DNA sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region of subterranean mole rats,Spalax ehrenbergi superspecies,in Israel

The complete mitochondrial control region was sequenced for 60 individuals representing different populations for each of the four species of the subterranean mole rat Spalax ehrenbergi superspecies in Israel: Spalax galili (2n = 52), S. golani (2n = 54), S. carmeli (2n = 58), and S. judaei (2n = 60). The control region of all species and populations is very similar both in length (979 to 983 bp) and in base composition. As in agreement with previous surveys on mitochondrial control regions on mammals, the mole rat control region can be divided into a central domain and two flanking domains, ETAS (extended termination associated sequences) and CSB (conserved sequence blocks). Along with the common conserved blocks found in these domains (ETAS1, ETAS2, CSB1, CSB2, and CSB3), we have also detected in all individuals an ETAS1-like and a CSB1-like element, both in the ETAS domain. The most conserved region was the central domain, followed by the CSB and ETAS domains, showing important differences in the four species analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis supported the existence of two clades. One clade contained individuals belonging to Spalax galili (2n = 52) and S. golani (2n = 54), separated in two different branches depending on the species. The other clade contained individuals belonging to S. carmeli (2n = 58) and S. judaei (2n = 60) mixed together, suggesting a more recent event of speciation. Within species we have observed a southward trend of increasing variability. These results have been explained as a consequence of the adaptation of the species to ecological factors such as aridity and temperature stresses.     

Structure,DNA sequence variation and phylogenetic implications of the mitochondrial control region in horseshoe bats

There have been few studies of the structural and evolutionary characteristics of the mitochondrial control region (CR) in rhinolophids, yet this could have important consequences for the interpretation of phylogenetic relationships within this group. Here we sequenced and analyzed the CR of 37 individuals from 12 Rhinolophus species, including 2 species from GenBank. The length of the CR ranged from 1335 to 1514 bp, and the base composition was very similar among species. The CR of horseshoe bats, like that of other mammals, could be subdivided into a central conserved domain (CD) and two flanking variable domains, extended termination associated sequences (ETAS), and conserved sequence blocks (CSB). Besides the common conserved blocks (ETAS1, ETAS2, F-B boxes, CSB1, CSB2 and CSB3) found in 3 domains, an ETAS2-like and a CSB1-like element were also detected in the ETAS and CSB domains, respectively, in all individuals. Notwithstanding a short tandem repeat (11 or 13 bp) between CSB1 and CSB2 in all specimens, the base composition, copy number and arrays are all variable. A long tandem repeat (79 bp) was only identified in the ETAS domain in one individual of R. pusillus. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on the CR sequences indicated that the molecular phylogenetic relationships among some Rhinolophus species were inconsistent with the results of phenetic analyses, but similar to phylogenetic constructions using cytochrome b. An unidentified species R. sp and 3 species from the philippinensis-group that were clearly morphologically different comprised a monophyletic group, which could have resulted from morphological independent evolution.     

鼬科动物线粒体DNA控制区结构分析

利用PCR技术获得紫貂(Martes zibellina)和黄喉貂(Martes flavigula)线粒体DNA控制区全序列,并结合从GenBank中下载的9种鼬科动物相应序列,用ClustalX排序后对控制区结构进行分析,识别出延长终止序列区、中央区和保守序列区3个区域,指出了一个终止相关序列ETAS1及8个保守序列(CSB-F、E、D、C、B、1、2和3),并给出了序列通式,在CSB1和CSB2之间发现不同形式的短重复序列.此外,以狼为外类群,应用邻接法构建鼬科线粒体控制区全序列的系统进化树,结果表明:臭鼬亚科最先从鼬科中分化出来,随后剩余类群分为两大支系,即貂属种类与貂熊聚为一支,并与獾亚科的狗獾形成姐妹群;另一支为水獭亚科的物种与鼬属的林鼬形成姐妹群,再与虎鼬聚在一起,狗獾与貂属的紫貂亲缘关系最近,水獭亚科与鼬属亲缘关系最近.     

白鱼线粒体DNA控制区结构和种群遗传多样性分析

用特异性引物对白鱼(Anabarilius grahami)DNA进行PCR扩增,获得了白鱼线粒体DNA控制区基因全序列(930bp)。控制区T、C、A和G碱基组成为29.8%、22.5%、33.0%和14.7%。对照其他已报道的鱼类控制区结构,对白鱼控制区结构进行了分析,识别了其终止序列区、中央保守区和保守序列区,找到了终止相关的序列TAS以及保守序列(CSB-F、CSB-D、CSB-1、CSB-2、CSB-3)。同时运用DNA分析软件对白鱼一个驯养种群(中国科学院昆明动物研究所珍稀鱼类繁育中心)及两个自然地理种群(江川县明星鱼洞、江川县牛摩村)进行了遗传多样性分析。结果显示:两个自然种群存在较强基因交流,未出现遗传分化;人工驯养种群遗传多样性最高,种群复壮程度较好。     

太平洋鳕线粒体全基因组测序及结构特征分析

通过二代基因测序技术获得太平洋鳕(Gadus macrocephalus)线粒体基因组全序列, 对线粒体基因进行了注释, 对其序列结构进行了分析。研究结果表明, 太平洋鳕线粒体基因组全长16569 bp, 共编码13个蛋白质, 并且包含了22个tRNA, 2个rRNA以及1个D-Loop区。碱基组成存在明显的AT偏向和弱AT负偏斜现象。太平洋鳕线粒体在蛋白质编码基因中共有5种终止密码子, 包含哺乳动物线粒体常见终止密码子AGG与AGA。除tRNA-Ser(GCT)基因缺失二氢尿嘧啶臂(DHU臂)外, 其余tRNA均能形成典型的三叶草结构。D-Loop区只存在与终止结合序列区(Terminal associated sequences, TAS)和保守序列框(Conserved sequences blocks, CSB)功能类似的序列, 并且出现17 bp的嘧啶序列。非编码区含有一段保守的控制轻链复制起始的序列(O_L)及一段74 bp的基因间隔区。基于线粒体基因组全序列和Cytb基因, 分别构建了鳕形目下几种鳕的进化树, 结果为揭示太平洋鳕进化地位提供了重要依据。     

Screening for mutations in the promoter and the coding region of the IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 genes in Silver-Russell syndrome patients.

In the present study we sought to identify genetic variation in genes for insulin-like growth factor binding proteins 1 and 3 (IGFBP1, IGFBP3) in 7p12-13 which through alteration of protein function or level of expression might contribute to the manifestation of Silver-Russell syndrome. Genomic DNA samples from 49 Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) patients and from unaffected controls were investigated by single-strand conformation analysis. Overlapping polymerase chain reaction fragments covered the whole coding sequences as well as the 5' untranslated region of the IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 genes. We detected 3 new polymorphisms in the transcribed sequence of IGFBP1, one amino acid polymorphism in exon 1 of IGFBP3 and four variants in its promotor region and in intron 1. They all occurred in similar frequencies in SRS patients and in controls. Thus, paternally inherited mutations in the promoter and coding regions of IGFBP1 and IGFBP3 genes play neither a major nor a minor role in the etiology of SRS. The newly detected polymorphisms in the coding region are powerful tools for analysis of imprinting status and for detection of possible changes in the imprinting patterns of the two genes.     

Two genetic codes, one genome: frameshifted primate mitochondrial genes code for additional proteins in presence of antisense antitermination tRNAs

Genomic amino acid usages coevolve with cloverleaf formation capacities of corresponding primate mitochondrial tRNAs, also for antisense tRNAs, suggesting translational function for sense and antisense tRNAs. Some antisense tRNAs are antitermination tRNAs (anticodons match stops (UAR: UAA, UAG; AGR: AGA, AGG)). Genomes possessing antitermination tRNAs avoid corresponding stops in frames 0 and +1, preventing translational antitermination. In frame +2, AGR stop frequencies and corresponding antisense antitermination tRNAs coevolve positively. This suggests expression of frameshifted overlapping genes, potentially shortening genomes, increasing metabolic efficiency. Blast analyses of hypothetical proteins translated from one and seven +1, respectively, +2 frameshifted human mitochondrial protein coding genes align with eleven GenBank sequences (31% of the mitochondrial coding regions). These putative overlap genes contain few UARs, AGRs align with arginine. Overlap gene numbers increase in presence of, and with time since evolution of antitermination tRNA AGR in 57 primate mitochondrial genomes. Numbers of putative proteins translated from antisense protein coding sequences and detected by blast also coevolve positively with antitermination tRNAs; expression of two of these ‘antisense’ mRNAs increases under low resource availability. Although more direct evidence is still lacking for the existence of proteins translated from overlapping mitochondrial genes and for antisense tRNAs activity, coevolutions between predicted overlap genes and the antitermination tRNAs required to translate them suggest expression of overlapping genes by an overlapping genetic code. Functions of overlapping genes remain unknown, perhaps originating from dual lifestyles of ancestral free living-parasitic mitochondria. Their amino acid composition suggests expression under anaerobic conditions.     

银色裂腹鱼线粒体基因组序列特征与系统进化分析

银色裂腹鱼(Schizothorax argentatus)在我国仅分布于新疆地区的伊犁河流域,是我国裂腹鱼类中珍稀濒危品种之一,具有较高的科研和经济价值。本研究采用高通量测序技术获得了银色裂腹鱼长度为16580 bp的线粒体基因组全序列,其基因组成和排列顺序均与典型的脊椎动物相似,共有13个蛋白质编码基因、22个tRNA基因、2个rRNA基因和1个非编码区(D-loop)。碱基组成分别为A(30.25%)、G(17.28%)、C(27.20%)和T(25.27%),呈现明显的AT偏好性和反G偏倚。tRNA基因中仅tRNA-Ser(GCU)因缺少二氢尿嘧啶茎而无法形成典型的三叶草结构。ND6基因的AT-skew和GC-skew值波动最大,揭示该基因经历的选择和突变压力可能与其他基因不同。银色裂腹鱼线粒体控制区包含了3个不同的结构域:终止序列区(ETAS)、中央保守区(CSB-F、CSB-E、CSB-D和CSB-B)和保守序列区(CSB1、CSB2和CSB3),且在CSB3下游约50 bp处识别到鲤形目(Cypriniformes)鱼类中普遍存在的保守序列片段TT(AT)nGTG。基于28种裂腹鱼属鱼类线粒体基因组全序列构建的系统发育关系表明银色裂腹鱼分化时间较早,与其他类群亲缘关系较远,这可能与其所生活的水域地理位置和水文环境有密切关系。     

中国鲿科鱼类线粒体DNA控制区结构及其系统发育分析

采用PCR技术获得了中国鲿科鱼类代表种类线粒体DNA控制区基因的全序列,对控制区基因结构进行了分析,并选用粒鲇科的中华粒鲇,鮡科的三线纹胸鮡作为外类群,用最大简约法(MP)和邻接法(NJ)构建了系统发育树。结果显示鲿科鱼类中控制区基因适于系统发育分析,鲿科鱼类构成一个单系类群;圆尾拟鲿应该放入鮠属里。