Potential gene flow in natural populations of the Drosophila ananassae species cluster inferred from a nuclear mitochondrial pseudogene

Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2008 Sep;48(3):1087-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ympev.2008.06.007. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

Abstract

A pseudogene with 94% similarity to mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was identified and localized to chromosome 4 of Drosophila ananassae. Because this chromosome is believed to have reduced recombination, its history can be traced using the pseudo-COI sequence. Pseudo-COI sequences were obtained from 27 iso-female lines of six taxa belonging to the D. ananassae species cluster in which reproductive isolation is incomplete. The phylogenetic network constructed from seven recognized haplotypes (#0-#6) indicated that different taxa inhabiting the same geographic area share the haplotypes: #1 from Papua New Guinean populations of D. ananassae and pallidosa-like-Wau; #2 from Papua New Guinean populations of D. ananassae, pallidosa-like, and papuensis-like; and #4 from South Pacific populations of D. ananassae and D. pallidosa. Taxon-K has a unique haplotype (#6), and 18 mutation steps separate it from the closest haplotype, #2. We discuss the possibility of chromosome 4 introgression beyond taxon boundaries.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics*
  • Chromosomes / ultrastructure
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Drosophila / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Flow*
  • Geography / methods
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Phylogeny
  • Pseudogenes*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial