Complex Pattern of Coalescence and Fast Evolution of a Mitochondrial rRNA Pseudogene in a Recent Radiation of Tiger Beetles

• DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msi085
• Publication Date: 2005-01-12T20:25:39Z
• Authors: J. Pons
• Keywords: Lineage (genetic); Pseudogene; Monophyly

Transposed copies of mitochondrial DNA into the nucleus (numts) are widespread, but to date they have not been described from Coleoptera (beetles). Here we report discovery a numt derived ribosomal RNA gene in Australian tiger beetles (genus Rivacindela). The loss function was confirmed by high proportion transversions, numerous noncompensatory substitutions stem regions, and large deletions functionally important sequences. Phylogenetic analysis orthologous sequences performed together with corresponding mtDNA lineage for study origination establishment transposed closely related populations species. All were strongly supported be monophyletic, indicating single origin this element. However, polymorphic presence numt, phylogenetic trees based on showed inconsistencies phylogeny, suggesting slower processes fixation compared In side-by-side comparison their sister lineage, nucleotide substitution rate 1.66 x 10(-8) substitutions/site/year numts approximately equal average group substantially higher than previous estimates neutral nuclear rates vertebrates. clade affected several no insertions, exceeding five times. young age Rivacindela clade, absence species outside narrow individuals, suggest that insertions do persist group, which is consistent view comparatively small genomes as those harbor fewer other pseudogenes.