The complete mitochondrial genome of Microtus fortis pelliceus (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) from China and its phylogenetic analysis

Abstract

The complete mitogenome sequence of Microtus fortis pelliceus was determined using long PCR. The genome was 16,310 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 1 origin of L strand replication, and 1 control region. The overall base composition of the heavy strand is A (32.7%), C (27.7%), T (26.2%), and G (13.4%). The base compositions present clearly the A–T skew, which is most obviously in the control region and protein-coding genes. Mitochondrial genome analyses based on MP, ML, NJ, and Bayesian analyses yielded identical phylogenetic trees. Results of phylogenetic analysis showed that Microtus had close relationship with Myodes, and had distant relationship with Eothenomys, Cricetulus, Dicrostonyx, Peromyscus, and other genera. This study verifies the evolutionary status of Microtus fortis in Microtus at the molecular level. The mitochondrial genome would be a significant supplement for the M. fortis genetic background. Results of phylogenetic analysis showed that M. f. pelliceus had close relationship with M. f. fortis in three subspecies of M.s fortis.

Keywords

• control region
• mitogenome
• phylogenetic trees
• microtus fortis pelliceus