Understanding mitochondrial genome fragmentation in parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)

Wen-Ge Dong; Xian-Guo Guo; Dao-Chao Jin; Shi-Peng Xue; Feng Qin; Simon Song; S C Barker; Renfu Shao

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1005.2013.00847

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Understanding mitochondrial genome fragmentation in parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)

Journal article

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Understanding mitochondrial genome fragmentation in parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)

Wen-Ge Dong, Xian-Guo Guo, Dao-Chao Jin, Shi-Peng Xue, Feng Qin, Simon Song, S C Barker and Renfu Shao

Yichuan [Hereditas], Vol.35(7), pp.847-855

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3724/SP.J.1005.2013.00847

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Abstract

Phthiraptera

mitochondrial genome

chromosome evolution

genome fragmentation

Lice are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Extensive fragmentation of mitochondrial genomes has been found in some louse species in the families Pediculidae, Pthiridae, Philopteridae and Trichodectidae. For example, the mt genomes of human body louse (Pediculus humanus), head louse (Pediculus capitis), and public louse (Pthirus pubis) have 20, 20 and 14 mini-chromosomes, respectively. These mini-chromosomes might be the results of deletion and recombination of mt genes. The factors and mechanisms of mitochondrial genome fragmentation are currently unknown. The fragmentation might be the results of evolutionary selection or random genetic drift or it is probably related to the lack of mtSSB (mitochondrial single-strand DNA binding protein). Understanding the fragmentation of mitochondrial genomes is of significance for understanding the origin and evolution of mitochondria. This paper reviews the recent advances in the studies of mitochondrial genome fragmentation in lice, including the phenomena of mitochondrial genome fragmentation, characteristics of fragmented mitochondrial genomes, and some factors and mechanisms possibly leading to the mitochondrial genome fragmentation of lice. Perspectives for future studies on fragmented mt genomes are also discussed.

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Title: Understanding mitochondrial genome fragmentation in parasitic lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera)
Authors: Wen-Ge Dong (Author) - Guizhou University, China
Xian-Guo Guo (Author) - Guizhou University, China
Dao-Chao Jin (Author) - Guizhou University, China
Shi-Peng Xue (Author) - Nanyang Medical College, China
Feng Qin (Author) - Dali University, China
Simon Song (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
S C Barker (Author) - University of Queensland
Renfu Shao (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Yichuan [Hereditas], Vol.35(7), pp.847-855
Publisher: Kexue Chubanshe
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1005.2013.00847
ISSN: 0253-9772
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448850302621
Output Type: Journal article

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