Complete Sequence and Gene Organization of the Mitochondrial Genome of Tokay (Gekko gecko)

Long-PCR amplification, clone and primer-walking sequencing methods were employed in determine the complete sequence of mitochondrial genome of tokay (Gekko gecko). The genome is 16 435 bp in size, contains 13 protein-coding, 2 ribosomal and 22 transfer RNA genes. The mt genome of Gekko is similar to most of the vertebrates in gene components, order, orientation, tRNA structures, low percentage of guanine and high percentage of thymine, and skews of base GC and AT. Base A was preferred at third codon positions for protein genes is similar to amphibians and fishes rather than amnion vertebrates. The standard stop codes (TAA) present only in three protein genes, less than those of most vertebrates. Transfer RNA genes range in length from 63 to 76 nt, their planar structure present characteristic clover leaf, except for tRNA-Cys and tRNA-Ser (AGY) because of lacking the D arm.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Thai Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus) and phylogenetic analysis

DEAR EDITOR,In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome （mitogenome） of the Thai Red Junglefowl （RJF; Gallus gallus） using the next-generation sequencing （NGS） platform of the Ion Torrent PGM. Samples were taken from Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand Our data showed the complete mitogenome to be 16 785 bp in length, composed by 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The genome nucleotide composition was 30.3% A, 23.7% T, 32.5% C, and 13.5% G, resulting in a high percentage of A＋T （50.4%）. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the mitogenome belonged to haplogroup X, whereas those of all domestic chickens belong to haplogroups A to G. This newly released mitogenome sequence will advance further evolutionary and population genetics study of the RJF and domestic chicken The availability of the G. gallus mitogenome will also contribute to further conservation genetics research of a unique species, listed as ＇data deficient＇ in Thailand.

A Monophyletic Status of Axis Genus in Subfamily Cervinae Supported by the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Chinese Hog Deer(Axis porcinus)

Hog deer(Axis porcinus)is a small mammal and listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature.However,phylogenetic position of hog deer within Axis genus has remained controversial.In the present study,we first assembled complete mitochondrial genome of Chinese hog deer reared in Chengdu Zoo,Sichuan,by the second-generation sequencing technology.This newly assembled mitochondrial genome of hog deer is 16376 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-encoding genes,23 transfer RNA genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes.Phylogenetic analyses based on complete mitochondrial genome and cytochrome b gene sequences revealed that hog deer is closely clustered together and placed with sister taxon of spotted deer(A.Axis),which therefore supported monophyletic statue of Axis genus.Furthermore,considerable genetic differentiation,up to 139 mutations of complete mitochondrial genome was revealed between geographical populations of hog deer in France and Southeast Asia.However,only six variable sites(nucleotide diversity of 0.00007)and four haplotypes(haplotype diversity of 0.533)were totally detected among ten newly sequenced Chinese hog deer.The results provide a better understanding on the phylogeny of hog deer.