Novel gene rearrangement in the mitochondrial genome of Siliqua minima (Bivalvia, Adapedonta) and phylogenetic implications for Imparidentia

Siliqua minima (Gmelin, 1791) is an important economic shellfish species belonging to the family Pharidae. To date, the complete mitochondrial genome of only one species in this family (Sinonovacula constricta) has been sequenced. Research on the Pharidae family is very limited; to improve the evolution of this bivalve family, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of S. minima by next-generation sequencing. The genome is 17,064 bp in length, consisting of 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). From the rearrangement analysis of bivalves, we found that the gene sequences of bivalves greatly variable among species, and with closer genetic relationship, the more consistent of the gene arrangement is higher among the species. Moreover, according to the gene arrangement of seven species from Adapedonta, we found that gene rearrangement among families is particularly obvious, while the gene order within families is relatively conservative. The phylogenetic analysis between species of the superorder Imparidentia using 12 conserved PCGs. The S. minima mitogenome was provided and will improve the phylogenetic resolution of Pharidae species.

Automated summary

Research on the Pharidae family is limited, but sequencing the complete mitochondrial genome of S. minima revealed great variability in gene sequences among bivalve species, with higher consistency in gene arrangement among species that are genetically closer. Gene rearrangement is particularly obvious among families, while gene order within families is relatively conservative. The S. minima mitogenome provided will enhance the phylogenetic resolution of Pharidae species.