Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships of the three-spot swimming crab (Portunus sanguinolentus)

Genet Mol Res. 2016 Aug 29;15(3). doi: 10.4238/gmr.15038580.

Abstract

In this study, we determined the whole mitochondrial genome profile of the three-spot swimming crab (Portunus sanguinolentus) and elucidated phylogenetic relationships between representative species in the order Decapoda. The mitochondrial genome was 16,024 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. Of the 37 genes, 23 were encoded by the heavy strand while 14 were encoded by the light strand. Four types of start codons were identified; ATG initiated nine genes, ATT initiated two genes, and ATC and GTG each started one gene. Nine protein-coding genes ended with a complete TAA or TAG stop codon, and four genes ended with an incomplete T or TA codon. Fourteen non-coding regions were found, which ranged from 1 to 34 bp in length. Nine overlaps were observed, with lengths between 1 and 7 bp. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that P. sanguinolentus is genetically closest to P. trituberculatus and P. pelagicus. Charybdis feriata, C. japonica, and Thalamita crenata formed a single cluster, and were close to the genera Callinectes and Portunus. Therefore, the genera Charybdis and Thalamita should be classified into the subfamily Portuninae.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arthropod Proteins / genetics*
  • Brachyura / classification
  • Brachyura / genetics*
  • Codon, Initiator
  • Codon, Terminator
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics*
  • Genome Size
  • Genome, Mitochondrial*
  • Male
  • Mitochondria / genetics
  • Molecular Sequence Annotation
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Phylogeny*
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry
  • RNA, Transfer / genetics

Substances

  • Arthropod Proteins
  • Codon, Initiator
  • Codon, Terminator
  • DNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Transfer