Molecular systematics of the three mitochondrial protein-coding genes of malaria parasites: corroborative and new evidence for the origins of human malaria.
Mitochondrial DNA, 2008/12;19(6):471-8.
Perkins SL[1]
Affiliations
PMID: 19489133
Abstract
background and aims: The mitochondrial genomes of malaria parasites (Plasmodium and related genera) are extremely small and contain just three protein-coding genes. These short linear genomes are tandemly repeated, allowing for amplification of the entire unit using a single pair of outwardly facing primers.
materials and methods: Using this approach, I sequenced full mitochondrial genomes for seven new lineages of these parasites belonging to four genera and then, combining these new sequences with other published ones, I examined the phylogenetic utility of each of the three protein-coding genes, alone and when concatenated into a data-set of 3315 nucleotides.
results: Most relationships recovered are consistent with previous studies of the group.
conclusion: Support for an Asian origin of Plasmodium vivax and a sister relationship of Plasmodium falciparum to the rodent malaria parasites was observed in this study. However, if a broad understanding of the evolutionary relationships of this group is to truly be understood, it is clear that loci outside the mitochondrial genome should be explored.
MeSH terms
Animals; Base Composition; Base Sequence; DNA Primers; DNA, Mitochondrial; DNA, Protozoan; Evolution, Molecular; Genes, Protozoan; Genome, Mitochondrial; Genome, Protozoan; Humans; Malaria; Mitochondrial Proteins; Phylogeny; Plasmodium; Protozoan Proteins; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; Species Specificity
More resources
EndNote: Download