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Evidence of two deeply divergent co-existing mitochondrial genomes in the Tuatara reveals an extremely complex genomic organization
Macey, J. Robert Pabinger, Stephan Barbieri, Charles G. Buring, Ella S. Gonzalez, Vanessa L. Mulcahy, Daniel G. DeMeo, Dustin P. Urban, Lara Hime, Paul M. Prost, Stefan
Macey, J. Robert
Pabinger, Stephan
Barbieri, Charles G.
Buring, Ella S.
Gonzalez, Vanessa L.
Mulcahy, Daniel G.
DeMeo, Dustin P.
Urban, Lara
Hime, Paul M.
Prost, Stefan
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Abstract
Animal mitochondrial genomic polymorphism occurs as low-level mitochondrial heteroplasmy and deeply divergent co-existing molecules. The latter is rare, known only in bivalvian mollusks. Here we show two deeply divergent co-existing mt-genomes in a vertebrate through genomic sequencing of the Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), the sole-representative of an ancient reptilian Order. The two molecules, revealed using a combination of short-read and long-read sequencing technologies, differ by 10.4% nucleotide divergence. A single long-read covers an entire mt-molecule for both strands. Phylogenetic analyses suggest a 7–8 million-year divergence between genomes. Contrary to earlier reports, all 37 genes typical of animal mitochondria, with drastic gene rearrangements, are confirmed for both mt-genomes. Also unique to vertebrates, concerted evolution drives three near-identical putative Control Region non-coding blocks. Evidence of positive selection at sites linked to metabolically important transmembrane regions of encoded proteins suggests these two mt-genomes may confer an adaptive advantage for an unusually cold-tolerant reptile.
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Date
2021-01-29
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Nature Research
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Macey_2021.pdf
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Keywords
Zoology, Genomics
Citation
Macey, J.R., Pabinger, S., Barbieri, C.G. et al. Evidence of two deeply divergent co-existing mitochondrial genomes in the Tuatara reveals an extremely complex genomic organization. Commun Biol 4, 116 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-020-01639-0