Numerous insertions of mitochondrial DNA in the genome of the northern mole vole, Ellobius talpinus

• DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08913-4
• Publication Date: 2023-12-29T12:01:41Z
• Authors: Kristina Kuprina; Antonina Smorkatc...; Anna Rudyk; Svetlana Galkina
• Keywords: Pseudogene; Heteroplasmy; Nuclear DNA

Abstract Background Ellobius talpinus is a subterranean rodent representing an attractive model in population ecology studies due to its highly special lifestyle and sociality. In such studies, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) widely used. However, if nuclear copies of mtDNA, aka NUMTs, are present, they may co-amplify with the target mtDNA fragment, generating misleading results. The aim this study was determine whether NUMTs present E. . Methods results PCR amplification putative CytB -D-loop fragment using ‘universal’ primers from 56 samples produced multiple double peaks 90% sequencing chromatograms. To reveal molecular cloning products three specimens conducted, followed by phylogenetic analysis. pseudogene nature out seven detected haplotypes confirmed their basal positions relation other tree. Additionally, ‘haplotype B’ found very distant sampling sites. BLASTN search revealed 195 genome, including fragments all four amplified pseudogenes. Although majority studied were short, entire had genome. most numerous for rrnL , COXI D-loop. Conclusions Numerous can be difficult discriminate against sequences. Thus, future or possibility cryptic should always taken into account.