The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Lepus tolai in Xinjiang

• Published in: Mitochondrial DNA Part B
• Main Authors: Wenjuan Shan, Mayinur Tursun, Shiyu Zhou, Yucong Zhang, Huiying Dai
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2020
• Subjects: lepus tolai; complete mitochondrial dna; phylogeny; Genetics; QH426-470; Lepus timidus
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/23802359.2020.1735267; https://doaj.org/article/9ba64c6b5799477195e5595f6535d491

Lepus tolai has a wide geographic distribution in the world, and there are some taxonomic confusions due to lack of studies. The complete mitochondrial genome of L. tolai in Xinjiang is 17,047 bp long with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and a control region. The overall base composition is 31.81% of A, 29.40% of T, 25.67%of C, and 13.12% of G, showing AT-rich. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that L. tolai is closely related to Lepus timidus, and distantly related to Lepus earoupenses and Lepus capensis. The new mtDNA data will supplement the mitochondrial gene pool of Lepus and helpful for validating taxonomic status of L. tolai on mtDNA level.