Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica)

Abstract

The Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) is a hystricomorph rodent species and has been suggested to be native to southern Asia and the Middle East. Complete mitochondrial genomes are available that can be used to identify and clarify the evolutionary history and phylogenetic relationships, but until now the mitochondrial genome of the crested porcupine was not available. The present study is the first report of the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the H. indica, with a length of 16,811 bp (GenBank accession number: ON408241). The mitochondrial genome sequence encompassed 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and one non-coding region (D-loop) in this study. The overall AT and GC contents of the mitochondrial genome of H. indica were 62.18% and 37.81% respectively. Ten protein-coding genes used ATG as the start codon except for ND-2 (ATC), ND3, and ND5 (ATA). Diverse patterns of stop codons were observed, such as TAG, TAA, AGA, and TA. Based on the phylogenic analysis, the 15 species included in the analysis were assembled into three main groups and were largely congruent with families of rodents, including Sciuridae species in the first group, Hystricidae species in the second group, and species of Castoridae, Dipodidae, Spalacidae, Cricetidae, and Muridae families in the third group. The complete mitochondrial genome of H. indica provides fundamental information for future research studies.