安徽新安江水牛mtDNA D-Loop区遗传多样性与系统进化研究

试验旨在分析安徽省黄山市新安江流域上游地区新安江水牛群体的分子遗传特性,探究其母系起源与遗传多样性。利用PCR扩增和测序技术测定28头新安江水牛的mtDNA D-Loop序列,下载GenBank数据库中24个中国水牛群体的693条D-Loop序列,利用生物信息学分析其遗传多样性,构建Neighbor-joining系统发生树和Media-joining网络,探索不同水牛群体的遗传距离。结果显示,28头新安江水牛的mtDNA D-Loop序列共有117个变异位点,构成25种单倍型,其核苷酸多样性为0.02602±0.00303,单倍型多样性为0.989±0.014。新安江水牛群体的变异性水平与中国其他水牛群体接近。N-J系统进化树显示,新安江水牛25个单倍型分为A、B两个支系,具有A支系和B支系2个母系来源,其中A支系占据主导地位。Media-joining进化网络显示,中国水牛主要为沼泽型水牛,分为沼泽型水牛A支系和B支系,B支系又分为b1亚支系和b2亚支系。综上,新安江水牛群体变异水平与中国其他地方水牛群体接近,群体遗传多样性丰富;且新安江水牛属于沼泽型水牛,具有2个线粒体母系来源,与我国其他地方水牛群体具有一定的遗传距离。

DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒在案件中的应用研究

本文探讨DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒在案件中应用的可行性。应用DNATyper mtDNASNP60^(TM)试剂盒对100个汉族无关个体和20组全同胞进行mtDNA SNP检验;取25 pg/μL马、牛、羊、猪、鸡、鸭、猫、狗、兔、鼠和大肠杆菌的DNA样品进行种属特异性测试;取5、10、20、40μmol/L血红素进行抗抑制性测试;取两个批次的DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒经反复冻融10次后进行稳定性测试;分别应用VeriFiler^(TM)Plus PCR扩增试剂盒和DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒对100份陈旧、腐败、降解检材进行检验。结果表明,100个汉族无关个体均获得清晰的mtDNA SNP分型结果,其检验结果与通过mtDNA测序获得的结果完全一致;100个汉族无关个体含有100种不同的单倍型;20组全同胞中每组个体之间mtDNA SNP分型结果相同;DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒对马、牛、羊、猪、鸡、鸭、猫、狗、兔、鼠和大肠杆菌的DNA样品进行检测,均未出现特异性分型;当血红素浓度≤40μmol/L时,所有mtDNA SNP位点均获得正确分型;两个批次的DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒经反复冻融10次后,所有mtDNA SNP位点均可正确分型;对于100份陈旧、腐败、降解检材,STR检出率为55%,mtDNA SNP的检出率为86%,mtDNA SNP的检出率显著高于STR。当模板DNA浓度大于5 pg/μL时,DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒能得到完整的分型谱图。综上,DNATyper mtDNA-SNP60^(TM)试剂盒可应用于陈旧、腐败、降解检材的检验,具有很好的实战应用价值。

Mutual promotion of mitochondrial fi ssion and oxidative stress contributes to mitochondrial-DNAmediated infl ammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND:Pulmonary fibrosis(PF)is one of the main causes of death in patients with paraquat(PQ)poisoning.This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between mitochondrial fi ssion and oxidative stress in PQ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and PF.METHODS:C57BL/6 mice and MLE-12 cells were exposed to PQ to construct a PF model in vivo and in vitro.Histological changes in the lungs were examined by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining.Mitochondrial morphology was detected by MitoTracker®Deep Red FM or transmission electron microscopy(TEM).Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to determine the expression of protein.The migration ability of the cells was detected by the cell scratch test.Mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)levels were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was applied to detect cytokine levels.Superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity and the levels of glutathione(GSH)and malondialdehyde(MDA)were detected by chemichromatometry.RESULTS:PQ exposure caused EMT and PF in vivo and in vitro.PQ destroyed mitochondrial structure and enhanced the expression of dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1),which were accompanied by oxidative stress.Inhibiting mitochondrial fission using mitochondrial division inhibitor-1(Mdivi-1),a selective inhibitor of Drp1,attenuated PQ-induced EMT and oxidative damage.Treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine(NAC),an antioxidant,reduced Drp1 expression,attenuated mitochondrial structure damage and inhibited PQ-induced EMT and PF.Both Mdivi-1 and NAC treatment markedly suppressed mtDNA release,the expression of Toll-like receptor 9(TLR9)and phosphorylation(P)-NF-κB p65 as well as cytokines(interleukin 6[IL-6],interleukin-1β[IL-1β],and tumor necrosis factor-α[TNF-α])production.CONCLUSION:Mutual promotion of mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress contributes to EMT in PQ-induced PF,which is associated with the mtDNA/TLR9/NF-κB pathway.

Molecular phylogenetics and population demographic history of Amphioctopus fangsiao,inferred from mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers

Amphioctopus fangsiao(Cephalopoda:Octopodidae)is an important commercial species in the coastal waters of China.In recent years,however,the resource of A.fangsiao have declined because of habitat destruction and overfishing.To analyze the genetic variations of A.fangsiao caused by the fluctuation of resources,the population genetic structure of nine sampling locations collected from the Bohai Sea to the South China Sea were investigated,using mtDNA COI fragments and microsatellite DNA.The results of F-statistics,AMOVA,STRUCTURE and PCA analyses showed three phylogeographic clades(Clades A,B and C),revealing limited genetic exchange between north and south populations.These clades diverged in 2.23(Clades A and B)and 3.67(Clades A,B and C)million years ago,during the dramatic environmental fluctuations,such as sea level and temperature changes,have exerted great influence on the survival distribution pattern of global organisms.Our results for low genetic connectivity among A.fangsiao populations provide insights into the development of management strategies,that is,to manage this species as separate management unit.

Late-onset mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes syndrome with mitochondrial DNA 3243A>G mutation masquerading as autoimmune encephalitis:A case report

BACKGROUND Here,we present a unique case of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes(MELAS)syndrome,which initially appeared to be autoimmune encephalitis and was ultimately confirmed as MELAS with the mitochondrial DNA 3243A>G mutation.CASE SUMMARY A 58-year-old female presented with acute-onset speech impediment and auditory hallucinations,symmetrical bitemporal lobe abnormalities,clinical and laboratory findings,and a lack of relevant prodromal history,which suggested diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.Further work-up,in conjunction with the patient’s medical history,family history,and lactate peak on brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging,suggested a mitochondrial disorder.Mitochondrial genome analysis revealed the m.3243A>G variant in the MT-TL1 gene,which led to a diagnosis of MELAS syndrome.CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of considering MELAS as a potential cause of autoimmune encephalitis even if patients are over 40 years of age,as the symptoms and signs are atypical for MELAS syndrome.

Benchmark Dose Assessment for Coke Oven Emissions-Induced Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number Damage Effects

Objective The study aimed to estimate the benchmark dose(BMD)of coke oven emissions(COEs)exposure based on mitochondrial damage with the mitochondrial DNA copy number(mtDNAcn)as a biomarker.Methods A total of 782 subjects were recruited,including 238 controls and 544 exposed workers.The mtDNAcn of peripheral leukocytes was detected through the real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Three BMD approaches were used to calculate the BMD of COEs exposure based on the mitochondrial damage and its 95%confidence lower limit(BMDL).Results The mtDNAcn of the exposure group was lower than that of the control group(0.60±0.29 vs.1.03±0.31;P<0.001).A dose-response relationship was shown between the mtDNAcn damage and COEs.Using the Benchmark Dose Software,the occupational exposure limits(OELs)for COEs exposure in males was 0.00190 mg/m^(3).The OELs for COEs exposure using the BBMD were 0.00170 mg/m^(3)for the total population,0.00158 mg/m^(3)for males,and 0.00174 mg/m^(3)for females.In possible risk obtained from animal studies(PROAST),the OELs of the total population,males,and females were 0.00184,0.00178,and 0.00192 mg/m^(3),respectively.Conclusion Based on our conservative estimate,the BMDL of mitochondrial damage caused by COEs is0.002 mg/m^(3).This value will provide a benchmark for determining possible OELs.

A Study on the D-loop Region of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Mutation in Cervical Carcinomas

Objective Background-study on genesis and development of tumor is mainly concentrated on gene mutation in nucleus.In recent years,however,the role of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) mutation in tumor genesis has been given more and more attention,which is the only extra-nucleus DNA in cells of higher animals.Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is a common tumor in gynecology,but there are few reports of mtDNA mutation in this area.The focus of this study was to investigate the mtDNA mutation in tumor tissues of cervical carcinomas and their relationship to tumorigenesis and tumor development.Methods The D-loop region of 24 cervical carcinomas together with the adjacent normal tissues were amplified by PCR and sequenced.Results Among the 24 cervical carcinomas,30 mutations in 9 patients′ specimen were identified with the mutations rate of 37.5%(9/24).There were 8 microsatellite instabilities among the mutations and 13 new polymorphisms which were not reported previously in the Genbank.Conclusions The D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA is a highly polymorphoric and mutable region and the mutation rate is relatively high in patients with cervical carcinomas.

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup associated with sperm motility in the Han population

In this study, we aimed to determine whether the main mitochondrial DNA （mtDNA） haplogroups of the Han people have an impact on spermatozoa motility, We recruited 312 men who were consecutively admitted to two affiliated hospitals of College of Medicine, Zhejiang University from May 2011 to April 2012 as part of fertility investigations. Semen and whole blood samples were collected from the men. We determined the mtDNA haplogroups by analysing the sequences of mtDNA hypervariable segment I and testing diagnostic polymorphisms in the mtDNA coding region with DNA probes, No significant differences were found in the clinical characteristics of the mtDNA haplogroup R and non-R （P〉0.05）. Our results suggest that mtDNA haplogroup R is a strong independent predictor of sperm motility in the Han population, conferring a 2.97-fold （95% confidence interval： 1.74-4.48, P〈0.001） decreased chance of asthenozoospermia compared with those without haplogroup R.

体外受精囊胚培养液中mtDNA拷贝数与囊胚发育潜能的相关性研究

目的探讨第5/6天发育囊胚(D5/D6囊胚)培养液中线粒体DNA(mtDNA)拷贝数与胚胎质量的关系。方法收集2021年7—12月在珠海市妇幼保健院生殖中心行胚胎植入前遗传学检测(PGT)的10名患者的36枚D5/D6囊胚的活检细胞和培养液样本,应用高通量测序(NGS)方法检测分析囊胚活检细胞的非整倍体性和培养液中mtDNA拷贝数。根据囊胚形态学评价分为高质量、一般质量、低质量囊胚3组,根据囊胚发育时间分为D5和D6囊胚组,根据染色体整倍体性分为整倍体和非整倍体囊胚组,比较各组间囊胚培养液中mtDNA拷贝数的差异。结果36枚囊胚中D5囊胚33枚(D5囊胚组)、D6囊胚3枚(D6囊胚组);高质量囊胚21枚(高质量囊胚组)、一般质量囊胚12枚(一般质量囊胚组)、低质量囊胚3枚(低质量囊胚组);整倍体囊胚19枚(整倍体囊胚组),非整倍体囊胚17枚(非整倍体囊胚组)。高质量囊胚组培养液中mtDNA拷贝数[(150.24±166.24)]略高于一般质量囊胚组[(110.58±92.83)]和低质量囊胚组[(91.00±0.82)],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。D5囊胚组培养液中mtDNA拷贝数[(137.64±143.57)]略高于D6囊胚组[(71.00±54.52)],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。整倍体囊胚组培养液中mtDNA拷贝数[(144.79±162.17)]略高于非整倍体囊胚组[(117.88±107.14)],差异亦无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论不同形态学评级、囊胚发育时间和染色体整倍体性囊胚培养液中mtDNA拷贝数无显著差异,胚胎质量与培养液中mtDNA拷贝数的关系有待进一步确认。

Implications of mitochondrial DNA mutations and mitochondrial dysfunction in tumorigenesis

在源于 mitochondrial 机能障碍的氧化 phosphorylation 的改变长被假设了涉及 tumorigenesis。线粒体最近被显示了在调整规划房间死亡和房间增长起一个重要作用。而且， mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA ) 变化在各种各样的癌症房间被发现了。然而，在 tumorigenesis 的这些 mtDNA 变化的角色仍然保持大部分未知。这评论集中于基本 mitochondrial 遗传， mtDNA 变化和与癌症联系的结果的 mitochondrial 机能障碍。潜在的分子的机制，调停从 mtDNA 变化的致病和到 tumorigenesis 的 mitochondrial 机能障碍也被讨论。

Origin and phylogenetic analysis of Tibetan Mastiff based on the mitochondrial DNA sequence

At present, the Tibetan Mastiff is the oldest and most ferocious dog in the world. However, the origin of the Tibetan Mastiff and its phylogenetic relationship with other large breed dogs such as Saint Bernard are unclear. In this study, the primers were designed accord- ing to the mitochondrial genome sequence of the domestic dog, and the 2,525 bp mitochondrial sequence, containing the whole sequence of Cytochrome b, tRNA-Thr, tRNA-Pro, and control region of the Tibetan Mastiff, was obtained. Using grey wolves and coyotes as out- groups, the Tibetan Mastiff and 12 breeds of domestic dogs were analyzed in phylogenesis. Tibetan Mastiff, domestic dog breeds, and grey wolves were clustered into a group and coyotes were clustered in a group separately. This indicated that the Tibetan Mastiff and the other domestic dogs originated from the grey wolf, and the Tibetan Mastiff belonged to Carnivora, Canidae, Canis, Canis lupus, Canis lupus familiaris on the animal taxonomy. In domestic dogs, the middle and small breed dogs were clustered at first; German Sheepdog, Swedish Elkhound, and Black Russian Terrier were clustered into one group, and the Tibetan Mastiff, Old English Sheepdog, Leonberger, and Saint Bernard were clustered in another group. This confirmed the viewpoint that many of the famous large breed dogs worldwide such as Saint Bernard possibly had the blood lineage of the Tibetan Mastiff, based on the molecular data. According to the substitution rate, we concluded that the approximate divergence time between Tibetan Mastiff and grey wolf was 58,000 years before the present （YBP）, and the approximate divergence time between other domestic dogs and grey wolf was 42,000 YBP, demonstrating that the time of origin of the Tibetan Mastiff was earlier than that of the other domestic dogs.

Mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA mutations in atherosclerotic complications in diabetes

Mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) is particularly prone to oxidation due to the lack of histones and a deficient mismatch repair system.This explains an increased mutation rate of mtDNA that results in heteroplasmy,e.g.,the coexistence of the mutant and wild-type mtDNA molecules within the same mitochondrion.In diabetes mellitus,glycotoxicity,advanced oxidative stress,collagen cross-linking,and accumulation of lipid peroxides in foam macrophage cells and arterial wall cells may significantly decrease the mutation threshold required for mitochondrial dysfunction,which in turn further contributes to the oxidative damage of the diabetic vascular wall,endothelial dysfunc-tion,and atherosclerosis.

Somatic alterations in mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial dysfunction in gastric cancer progression

Energy metabolism reprogramming was recently identified as one of the cancer hallmarks.One of the underlying mechanisms of energy metabolism reprogramming is mitochondrial dysfunction caused by mutations in nuclear genes or mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA).In the past decades,several types of somatic mtDNA alterations have been identified in gastric cancer.However,the role of these mtDNA alterations in gastric cancer progression remains unclear.In this review,we summarize recently identified somatic mtDNA alterations in gastric cancers as well as the relationship between these alterations and the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer.The causative factors and potential roles of the somatic mtDNA alterations in cancer progression are also discussed.We suggest that point mutations and mtDNA copy number decreases are the two most common mtDNA alterations that result in mitochondrial dysfunction in gastric cancers.The two primary mutation types(transition mutations and mononucleotide or dinucleotide repeat instability)imply potential causative factors.Mitochondrial dysfunction-generated reactive oxygen species may be involved in the malignant changes of gastric cancer.The search for strategies to prevent mtDNA alterations and inhibit the mitochondrial retrograde signaling will benefit the development of novel treatments for gastric cancer and other malignancies.

Mitochondrial DNA mutations associated with aminoglycoside induced ototoxicity

Aminoglycosides(Am An) are widely used for their great efficiency against gram-negative bacterial infections. However, they can also induce ototoxic hearing loss, which has affected millions of people around the world. As previously reported, individuals bearing mitochondrial DNA mutations in the 12 S rRNA gene, such as m.1555A>G and m.1494C>T, are more prone to Am An-induced ototoxicity. These mutations cause human mitochondrial ribosomes to more closely resemble bacterial ribosomes and enable a stronger aminoglycoside interaction. Consequently,exposure to Am An can induce or worsen hearing loss in these individuals. Furthermore, a wide range of severity and penetrance of hearing loss was observed among families carrying these mutations. Studies have revealed that these mitochondria mutations are the primary molecular mechanism of genetic susceptibility to Am An ototoxicity, though nuclear modifier genes and mitochondrial haplotypes are known to modulate the phenotypic manifestation.

Mitochondrial DNA alterations and mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common malignancies and is ranked third in mortality among cancer-related diseases.Mitochondria are intracellular organelles that are responsible for energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis,and mitochondrial dysfunction has been regarded as a hallmark of cancer.Over the past decades,several types of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA)alterations have been identified in human cancers,including HCC.However,the role of these mtDNA alterations in cancer progression is unclear.In this review,we summarize the recent findings on the somatic mtDNA alterations identified in HCC and their relationships with the clinicopathological features of HCC.Recent advances in understanding the potential roles of somatic mtDNA alterations in the progression of HCC are also discussed.We suggest that somatic mtDNA mutations and a decrease in the mtDNA copy number are common events in HCC and that a mitochondrial dysfunction-activated signaling cascade may play an important role in the progression of HCC.Elucidation of the retrograde signaling pathways in HCC and the quest for strategies to block some of these pathways will be instrumental for the development of novel treatments for this and other malignancies.

线粒体DNA与心血管疾病相关性的研究进展

线粒体作为人体的能量工厂,具有自己独立的基因组——线粒体DNA(mtDNA)。心肌作为一种高耗能组织,线粒体的正常供能至关重要,而mtDNA在一定程度上可以影响线粒体的供能。根据最新的全球疾病负担研究,心血管疾病(CVD)是导致死亡的主要原因,冠心病是CVD患者主要的死亡原因之一。mtDNA作为一种新发现的生物标志物,与冠心病的发生机制、潜在的治疗靶点、对预后的预测等具有很强的关联性,本文就mtDNA与冠心病相关性的研究进展进行综述。

血浆游离mtDNA在急性肺栓塞中的诊断价值及其与病情严重程度及临床常用指标的相关性

目的探讨血浆游离线粒体DNA(mtDNA)水平在急性肺栓塞(APE)中的诊断价值及其与病情严重程度和临床常用指标的相关性。方法选取2021年3月至2022年12月山西医科大学第一医院呼吸与危重症医学科收治的90例首次经CT肺动脉造影(CTPA)确诊的APE患者为研究对象,分为高危组、中危组、低危组,每组30例,选择同期年龄相似的健康体检者30例作为健康组。记录所有研究对象一般资料,采集所有研究对象入院第1天未经治疗的血浆和全血标本,对其进行血常规、D-二聚体(D-D)、纤维蛋白(原)降解产物(FDP)、心肌肌钙蛋白T(cTnT)、N末端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)等指标检测;提取上述所有受试者血浆游离mtDNA,应用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应标准曲线法检测血浆游离mtDNA水平,比较各组mtDNA及其他临床常用指标,并分析mtDNA与其他临床常用指标的相关性;使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评价血浆游离mtDNA和其他临床常用指标对APE的诊断价值。结果健康组、低危组、中危组、高危组血浆游离mtDNA水平分别为272(199)、813(529)、2983(3327)和10097(6889)copies/mL,mtDNA水平在高危组、中危组、低危组和健康组中依次降低,两两比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。APE患者血浆游离mtDNA水平与白细胞计数(WBC)、D-D、FDP、cTnT、NT-proBNP呈正相关(r=0.304、0.446、0.532、0.673、0.666,P<0.05);与RBC、血红蛋白(Hb)、红细胞体积分布宽度(RDW)、血小板计数(PLT)无相关关系(P>0.05);mtDNA诊断APE的ROC曲线下面积为0.995,灵敏度为91%,特异度为90%,cut-off值为557 copies/mL。结论APE患者血浆游离mtDNA水平升高,并与疾病危险分层有关;血浆游离mtDNA水平有助于诊断APE,mtDNA也可作为预测APE病情严重程度的一种标志物。

Aging:A mitochondrial DNA perspective,critical analysis and an update

The mitochondrial theory of aging, a mainstream theory of aging which once included accumulation of mitochondrial DNA(mt DNA) damage by reactive oxygen species(ROS) as its cornerstone, has been increasingly losing ground and is undergoing extensive revision due to its inability to explain a growing body of emerging data. Concurrently, the notion of the central role for mtDNA in the aging process is being met with increased skepticism. Our progress in understanding the processes of mtDNA maintenance, repair, damage, and degradation in response to damage has largely refuted the view of mt DNA as being particularly susceptible to ROS-mediated mutagenesis due to its lack of "protective" histones and reduced complement of available DNA repair pathways. Recent research on mitochondrial ROS production has led to the appreciation that mitochondria, even in vitro, produce much less ROS than previously thought, automatically leading to a decreased expectation of physiologically achievable levels of mtDNA damage. New evidence suggests that both experimentally induced oxidative stress and radiation therapy result in very low levels of mtDNA mutagenesis. Recent advances provide evidence against the existence of the "vicious" cycle of mtDNA damage and ROS production. Meta-studies reveal no longevity benefit of increased antioxidant defenses. Simultaneously, exciting new observations from both comparative biology and experimental systems indicate that increased ROS production and oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules, including mtDNA, can be associated with extended longevity. A novel paradigm suggests that increased ROS production in aging may be the result of adaptive signaling rather than a detrimental byproduct of normal respiration that drives aging. Here, we review issues pertaining to the role of mtDNA in aging.

Structure of Mitochondrial DNA Control Region of Pholis fangi and Its Phylogenetic Implication

In this study, the entire mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) control region(CR) of Pholis fangi was amplified via polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing. The length of the mtDNA CR consensus sequence of P. fangi was 853 bp in length. In accordance with the recognition sites as were previously reported in fish species, the mtDNA CR sequence of P. fangi can be divided into 3 domains, i.e., the extended terminal associated sequence(ETAS), the central conserved sequence block(CSB), and the CSB domain. In addition, the following structures were identified in the mtDNA CR sequence of P. fangi: 2 ETASs in the ETAS domain(TAS and cTAS), 6 CSBs in the central CSB domain(CSB-F to CSB-A), and 3 CSBs in the CSB domain(CSB-1 to CSB-3). These demonstrated that the structure of the mtDNA CR of P. fangi was substantially different from those of most other fish species. The mtDNA CR sequence of P. fangi contained one conserved region from 656 bp to 815 bp. Similar to most other fish species, P. fangi has no tandem repeat sequences in its mtDNA CR sequence. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete mtDNA CR sequences showed that there were no genetic differences within P. fangi populations of the same geographical origin and between P. fangi populations of different geographical origins.

Differentiation of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) based on an analysis of morphology and complete mitochondrial DNA: Are cryptic species present?

Two morphotypes of Plectropomus leopardus have been identified; morphometric and meristic analyses show that there is no diagnostic difference between them. A difference in color pattern was the most ap- propriate phenotypic character with which to distinguish between the two morphotypes. Complete mito- chondrial DNA sequencing, however, indicated a clear difference between the two morphotypes. Barcoding analysis revealed no significant difference （P〉0.05） in CO1 or ND2 divergence among intramorphotypic individuals, even between geographically separated populations, whereas the intermorphotypic CO1 and ND2 divergences were large enough （averaging 0.95% for CO1 and 1.37% for ND2） to clearly discriminate between the two morphotypes. The color pattern difference, geographical distribution, together with the mtDNA and barcode sequencing data, suggest that the two morphotypes should be of two subspecies or even two species.