Positive selection along the evolution of primate mitogenomes

Mitochondrion. 2013 Nov;13(6):846-51. doi: 10.1016/j.mito.2013.06.001. Epub 2013 Jun 10.

Abstract

The mitochondrial genomes of four neotropical primates, Aotus infulatus, Chiropotes israelita, Callimico goeldii and Callicebus lugens were sequenced and annotated. Phylogenetic reconstructions with mitochondrial genes of other 66 primates showed a similar arrangement to a topology based on nuclear genes. Screening for positive selection identified 15 codons in 7 genes along 9 independent lineages, three with two or more genes and five in internal nodes, ruling out false positive estimates. Mitochondrial genes of the electron transport chain (ETC.) complexes evolved with high substitution rates. A study of nuclear ETC. genes might elucidate whether they co-evolved with their mitochondrial counterparts.

Keywords: Positive selection; Primates; mtDNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genome, Mitochondrial*
  • Humans
  • Phylogeny
  • Primates / genetics*
  • Selection, Genetic*