Evaluation of effectiveness of some mitochondrial genes in biosystematics and phylogeographic studies of house mouse (Mus musculus ) subspecies

Abstract

The identification of the efficiency of some mtDNA genes of Mus musculus species complex (house mouse) for biosystematics research was studied in this approach. Recent studies have made use of different mitochondrial genes including NADH dehydrogenase genes, cytochrome b gene, cytochrome oxidase genes, D-loop region and whole mtDNA genome to study the house mouse species. Usage of each of these genome regions has its own advantages and disadvantages. Identification of appropriate genomic regions is very important for molecular biosystematic research. We have shown here that NADH dehydrogenase and Cytochrome oxidase genes (particularly COX2) are especially useful in biosystematics studies and subspecies identification,whereas D-loop region is the best candidate for biogeographic and phylogeographic studiesof subspecies of this species efficiency-wise as well as economically. These candidates areintroduced considering that the first two gene complexes are highly conserved whereas the latteris well receptive to gaining and preserving the mutations through time.