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Kapoor S, Yang YT, Hall RN, Gasser RB, Bowles VM, Perry T, Anstead CA. Complete Mitochondrial Genome for Lucilia cuprina dorsalis (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from the Northern Territory, Australia. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:506. [PMID: 38674440 PMCID: PMC11050061 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina dorsalis, is a major sheep ectoparasite causing subcutaneous myiasis (flystrike), which can lead to reduced livestock productivity and, in severe instances, death of the affected animals. It is also a primary colonizer of carrion, an efficient pollinator, and used in maggot debridement therapy and forensic investigations. In this study, we report the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of L. c. dorsalis from the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, where sheep are prohibited animals, unlike the rest of Australia. The mt genome is 15,943 bp in length, comprising 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and a non-coding control region. The gene order of the current mt genome is consistent with the previously published L. cuprina mt genomes. Nucleotide composition revealed an AT bias, accounting for 77.5% of total mt genome nucleotides. Phylogenetic analyses of 56 species/taxa of dipterans indicated that L. c. dorsalis and L. sericata are the closest among all sibling species of the genus Lucilia, which helps to explain species evolution within the family Luciliinae. This study provides the first complete mt genome sequence for L. c. dorsalis derived from the NT, Australia to facilitate species identification and the examination of the evolutionary history of these blowflies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Kapoor
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (Y.T.Y.); (T.P.)
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.B.G.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Ying Ting Yang
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (Y.T.Y.); (T.P.)
| | - Robyn N. Hall
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia;
- Ausvet Pty Ltd., Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.B.G.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Vernon M. Bowles
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.B.G.); (V.M.B.)
| | - Trent Perry
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (Y.T.Y.); (T.P.)
| | - Clare A. Anstead
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia; (R.B.G.); (V.M.B.)
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Ma T, Zhang C, Huang J. Phylogenetic insights based on the first complete mitochondrial genome of Isomyia nebulosa (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2023; 8:1320-1324. [PMID: 38196796 PMCID: PMC10776078 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2023.2288916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
To investigate the phylogenetic position of Isomyia Walker, 1860, a genus that suffered from frequent revisions of the taxonomic status following the subfamily Rhiniinae (Diptera, Calliphoridae), we sequenced, assembled, annotated, and analyzed the first complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Isomyia nebulosa (Townsend, 1917) in this study. This mitogenome is 16,438 bp in length, with a standard set of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, two rRNAs, and an A + T riched non-coding region without genetic rearrangement as most dipteran mitogenomes, but long intergenic nucleotides (IGNs) between trnQ and trnM are found. The phylogeny yielded by both Bayesian inference and maximum-likelihood analysis for all mitochondrial PCGs and rRNAs of 23 mitogenomes supports the monophyly of the family Calliphoridae and the subfamilies Calliphorinae, Chrysomyinae, and Luciliinae. In addition, I. nebulosa diverged anterior to the above-mentioned three calliphorid subfamilies with high genetic distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ma
- Police Experimental Training Center, Guangdong Police College, Guangzhou, Baiyun, China
| | - Caihong Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
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Shao S, Yang L, Hu G, Li L, Wang Y, Tao L. Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106985. [PMID: 37473953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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Kapoor S, Young ND, Yang YT, Batterham P, Gasser RB, Bowles VM, Anstead CA, Perry T. Mitochondrial genomic investigation reveals a clear association between species and genotypes of Lucilia and geographic origin in Australia. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:279. [PMID: 37573420 PMCID: PMC10423422 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05902-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lucilia cuprina and L. sericata (family Calliphoridae) are globally significant ectoparasites of sheep. Current literature suggests that only one of these blowfly subspecies, L. cuprina dorsalis, is a primary parasite causing myiasis (flystrike) in sheep in Australia. These species and subspecies are difficult to distinguish using morphological features. Hence, being able to accurately identify blowflies is critical for diagnosis and for understanding their relationships with their hosts and environment. METHODS In this study, adult blowflies (5 pools of 17 flies; n = 85) were collected from five locations in different states [New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia (WA)] of Australia and their mitochondrial (mt) genomes were assembled. RESULTS Each mt genome assembled was ~ 15 kb in size and encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a control region. The Lucilia species mt genomes were conserved in structure, and the genes retained the same order and direction. The overall nucleotide composition was heavily biased towards As and Ts-77.7% of the whole genomes. Pairwise nucleotide diversity suggested divergence between Lucilia cuprina cuprina, L. c. dorsalis and L. sericata. Comparative analyses of these mt genomes with published data demonstrated that the blowflies collected from sheep farm in TAS clustered within a clade with L. sericata. The flies collected from an urban location in QLD were more closely related to L. sericata and represented the subspecies L. c. cuprina, whereas the flies collected from sheep farms in NSW, VIC and WA represented the subspecies L. c. dorsalis. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenetic analyses of the mt genomes representing Lucilia from the five geographic locations in Australia supported the previously demonstrated paraphyly of L. cuprina with respect to L. sericata and revealed that L. c. cuprina is distinct from L. c. dorsalis and that L. c. cuprina is more closely related to L. sericata than L. c. dorsalis. The mt genomes reported here provide an important molecular resource to develop tools for species- and subspecies-level identification of Lucilia from different geographical regions across Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Kapoor
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Neil D. Young
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Ying Ting Yang
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Philip Batterham
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Robin B. Gasser
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Vernon M. Bowles
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Clare A. Anstead
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Melbourne Veterinary School, The University of Melbourne, Building 400, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Trent Perry
- Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
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The first complete mitochondrial genome sequences for Ulidiidae and phylogenetic analysis of Diptera. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2501-2510. [PMID: 36609752 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07869-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tetanops sintenisi is a pest that mainly damages the root of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and it is first discovered in China in 2018. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of T. sintenisi was sequenced and compared with the mitogenomes of other Diptera species. The results revealed that the mitogenome of T. sintenisi is 15,763 bp in length (GenBank accession number: MT795181) and is comprised of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding A + T-rich region (959 bp). The highly conserved gene arrangement of the mitogenome of T. sintenisi was identical to that of other Diptera insects. Twelve PCGs contained the typical insect start codon ATN, while cox1 had CGA as the start codon. The genes cox2, nad4, and nad1 contained an incomplete termination codon T; nad3, nad5, and cob contained the complete termination codon TAG; and the remaining seven PCGs contained the termination codon TAA. All tRNA genes were predicted to fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure. Phylogenetic analysis of 48 species based on the mitogenome sequence revealed that T. sintenisi clustered with the Tephritidae family, indicating that T. sintenisi and Tephritidae have a close phylogenetic relationship. CONCLUSIONS The phylogenetic relationship of T. sintenisi based on the mitogenome is consistent with the traditional morphological taxonomy, according to which T. sintenisi belongs to the family Otitidae, which is closely related to the family Muscidae.
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Li H, Yan Y, Li J. Eighteen mitochondrial genomes of Syrphidae (Insecta: Diptera: Brachycera) with a phylogenetic analysis of Muscomorpha. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278032. [PMID: 36602958 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, 18 mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of Syrphidae were sequenced. These mitogenomes ranged from 15,648 to 16,405 bp and contained 37 genes that were similar to those from other Syrphidae species. Most protein-coding genes (PCGs) started with a standard ATN codon and ended with TAA/G. All transfer RNAs (tRNAs) could be folded into the cloverleaf secondary structure except tRNA-Ser (AGN), which lacks a dihydrouridine arm. The secondary structures of ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) were predicted. Six domains (III is absent in arthropods) and 44 helices were included in the 16S rRNA, and three domains and 24 helices were included in the 12S rRNA. We found three conserved fragments in all syrphid mitogenomes. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide data of 13 PCGs and two rRNAs from 76 Muscomorpha and three outgroup species. In results the paraphyly of Aschiza and Schizophora were supported, the Acalyptratae was also paraphyletic but the relationships of its superfamilies were difficult to determine, the monophyly of Calyptratea was supported with the relationships of Oestroidea and Muscoidea need to be further reconsidered. Within Syrphidae the monophyly of family level was supported, the Syrphinae were clustered into one branch, while the paraphyly of Eristalinae was still well supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment of Qinling-Bashan, School of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Qinling-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C.I.C., Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment of Qinling-Bashan, School of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Qinling-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C.I.C., Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment of Qinling-Bashan, School of Biological Science & Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Qinling-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C.I.C., Hanzhong, Shaanxi, China
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Mitogenome-wise codon usage pattern from comparative analysis of the first mitogenome of Blepharipa sp. (Muga uzifly) with other Oestroid flies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7028. [PMID: 35487927 PMCID: PMC9054809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Uziflies (Family: Tachinidae) are dipteran endoparasites of sericigenous insects which cause major economic loss in the silk industry globally. Here, we are presenting the first full mitogenome of Blepharipa sp. (Acc: KY644698, 15,080 bp, A + T = 78.41%), a dipteran parasitoid of Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis) found in the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya. This study has confirmed that Blepharipa sp. mitogenome gene content and arrangement is similar to other Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae flies of Oestroidea superfamily, typical of ancestral Diptera. Although, Calliphoridae and Oestridae flies have undergone tRNA translocation and insertion, forming unique intergenic spacers (IGS) and overlapping regions (OL) and a few of them (IGS, OL) have been conserved across Oestroidea flies. The Tachinidae mitogenomes exhibit more AT content and AT biased codons in their protein-coding genes (PCGs) than the Oestroidea counterpart. About 92.07% of all (3722) codons in PCGs of this new species have A/T in their 3rd codon position. The high proportion of AT and repeats in the control region (CR) affects sequence coverage, resulting in a short CR (Blepharipa sp.: 168 bp) and a smaller tachinid mitogenome. Our research unveils those genes with a high AT content had a reduced effective number of codons, leading to high codon usage bias. The neutrality test shows that natural selection has a stronger influence on codon usage bias than directed mutational pressure. This study also reveals that longer PCGs (e.g., nad5, cox1) have a higher codon usage bias than shorter PCGs (e.g., atp8, nad4l). The divergence rates increase nonlinearly as AT content at the 3rd codon position increases and higher rate of synonymous divergence than nonsynonymous divergence causes strong purifying selection. The phylogenetic analysis explains that Blepharipa sp. is well suited in the family of insectivorous tachinid maggots. It's possible that biased codon usage in the Tachinidae family reduces the effective number of codons, and purifying selection retains the core functions in their mitogenome, which could help with efficient metabolism in their endo-parasitic life style and survival strategy.
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Shang Y, Ren L, Zhang X, Li Y, Zhang C, Guo Y. Characterization and Comparative Analysis of Mitochondrial Genomes Among the Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera: Oestroidea) and Phylogenetic Implications. Front Genet 2022; 13:799203. [PMID: 35251125 PMCID: PMC8891575 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.799203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Calliphoridae (blowflies) are significant for forensic science, veterinary management, medical science, and economic issues. However, the phylogenetic relationships within this family are poorly understood and controversial, and the status of the Calliphoridae has been a crucial problem for understanding the evolutionary relationships of the Oestroidea these years. In the present study, seven mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes), including six calliphorid species and one Polleniidae species, were sequenced and annotated. Then a comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis among the Calliphoridae is presented. Additionally, the phylogenetic relationship of the Calliphoridae within the larger context of the other Oestroidea was reconstructed based on the mitogenomic datasets using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian methods (BI). The results suggest that the gene arrangement, codon usage, and base composition are conserved within the calliphorid species. The phylogenetic analysis based on the mitogenomic dataset recovered the Calliphoridae as monophyletic and inferred the following topology within Oestroidea: (Oestridae (Sarcophagidae (Calliphoridae + (Polleniidae + (Mesembrinellidae + Tachinidae))))). Although the number of exemplar species is limited, further studies are required. Within the Calliphoridae, the Chrysomyinae were recovered as sister taxon to Luciliinae + Calliphorinae. Our analyses indicated that mitogenomic data have the potential for illuminating the phylogenetic relationships in the Oestroidea as well as for the classification of the Calliphoridae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yadong Guo
- *Correspondence: Changquan Zhang, ; Yadong Guo,
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Palevich N, Carvalho L, Maclean P. The complete mitochondrial genome of the New Zealand parasitic blowfly Lucilia sericata (Insecta: Diptera: Calliphoridae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2021; 6:1267-1269. [PMID: 33829104 PMCID: PMC8008940 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2021.1906774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the New Zealand parasitic blowfly Lucilia sericata (green bottle blowfly) field strain NZ_LucSer_NP was generated using next-generation sequencing technology. The length of complete the mt genome is 15,938 bp, with 39.4% A, 13.0% C, 9.3% G, and 38.2% T nucleotide distribution. The complete mt genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a 1124 bp non-coding region, similar to most metazoan mt genomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that L. sericata NZ_LucSer_NP forms a monophyletic cluster with the remaining six Lucilia species and the Calliphoridae are polyphyletic. This study provides the first complete mt genome sequence for a L. sericata blowfly species derived from New Zealand to facilitate species identification and phylogenetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola Palevich
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Luis Carvalho
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Paul Maclean
- AgResearch Ltd., Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Five mitochondrial genomes of black fungus gnats (Sciaridae) and their phylogenetic implications. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 150:200-205. [PMID: 32004603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sciaridae is a family of great species diversity, distributed worldwide, that includes important agricultural pests of cultivated mushrooms and plants produced in greenhouses. Here we sequenced five nearly complete mitochondrial genomes representing three subfamilies of Sciaridae. The lengths of these mitogenomes range from 13,849 bp to 16,923 bp with 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 20-22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a control region (CR). Compared with other dipteran species, rearrangements in Sciaridae are more common. Inversion or transition is observed frequently of trnL2, and in the tRNA clusters trnI-trnQ-trnM, trnW-trnC-trnY, and trnA-trnR-trnN-trnS1-trnE-trnF. Phylogenetic relationships within the family were reconstructed based on these newly sequenced species, combined with the published mitogenomes of related families, and recovered the topology within Sciaroidea as Cecidomyiidae + (Sciaridae + Keroplatidae). Relationships recovered within Sciaridae were Sciarinae + ('Pseudolycoriella group' + Megalosphyinae).
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Gemmellaro MD, Hamilton GC, Ware JL. Review of Molecular Identification Techniques for Forensically Important Diptera. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:887-902. [PMID: 31173634 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The medico-legal section of forensic entomology focuses on the analysis of insects associated with a corpse. Such insects are identified, and their life history characteristics are evaluated to provide information related to the corpse, such as postmortem interval and time of colonization. Forensically important insects are commonly identified using dichotomous keys, which rely on morphological characteristics. Morphological identifications can pose a challenge as local keys are not always available and can be difficult to use, especially when identifying juvenile stages. If a specimen is damaged, certain keys cannot be used for identification. In contrast, molecular identification can be a better instrument to identify forensically important insects, regardless of life stage or specimen completeness. Despite more than 20 yr since the first use of molecular data for the identification of forensic insects, there is little overlap in gene selection or phylogenetic methodology among studies, and this inconsistency reduces efficiency. Several methods such as genetic distance, reciprocal monophyly, or character-based methods have been implemented in forensic identification studies. It can be difficult to compare the results of studies that employ these different methods. Here we present a comprehensive review of the published results for the molecular identification of Diptera of forensic interest, with an emphasis on evaluating variation among studies in gene selection and phylogenetic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L Ware
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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12
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Schoofs KR, Krzeminska Ahmadzai U, Goodwin W. Analysis of the complete mitochondrial genomes of two forensically important blowfly species: Lucilia caesar and Lucilia illustris. Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2018; 3:1114-1116. [PMID: 33644383 PMCID: PMC7871984 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2018.1457991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Blowfly species of the family Calliphoridae can be used in forensic investigations to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (PMImin). Lucilia caesar and Lucilia illustris (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are closely related and phenotypically similar, making reliable identification difficult. To identify potential genetic markers to distinguish these species, five complete mitochondrial genomes were sequenced: three for L. caesar (KM657111–KM657113) and two for L. illustris (KM657109, KM657110). The ND6 gene contained the most species-specific SNPs (1.71%), followed by the ND5 gene (1.68%) and the COI gene (1.56%), identifying ND6 and ND5 as valuable loci for differentiating L. caesar and L. illustris specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R. Schoofs
- School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | | | - William Goodwin
- School of Forensic and Applied Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Tang JM, Li F, Cheng TY, Duan DY, Liu GH. Comparative analyses of the mitochondrial genome of the sheep ked Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) from different geographical origins in China. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:2677-2683. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-5925-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Badenhorst R, Villet MH. The uses of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in forensic entomology. Forensic Sci Res 2018; 3:2-15. [PMID: 30483647 PMCID: PMC6197084 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1426136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments. Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation, and therefore forensic entomologists. The identification, geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban, stored-product, medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozane Badenhorst
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - Martin H. Villet
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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Anstead CA, Perry T, Richards S, Korhonen PK, Young ND, Bowles VM, Batterham P, Gasser RB. The Battle Against Flystrike - Past Research and New Prospects Through Genomics. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2017; 98:227-281. [PMID: 28942770 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Flystrike, or cutaneous myiasis, is caused by blow fly larvae of the genus Lucilia. This disease is a major problem in countries with large sheep populations. In Australia, Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) is the principal fly involved in flystrike. While much research has been conducted on L. cuprina, including physical, chemical, immunological, genetic and biological investigations, the molecular biology of this fly is still poorly understood. The recent sequencing, assembly and annotation of the draft genome and analyses of selected transcriptomes of L. cuprina have given a first global glimpse of its molecular biology and insights into host-fly interactions, insecticide resistance genes and intervention targets. The present article introduces L. cuprina, flystrike and associated issues, details past control efforts and research foci, reviews salient aspects of the L. cuprina genome project and discusses how the new genomic and transcriptomic resources for this fly might accelerate fundamental molecular research of L. cuprina towards developing new methods for the treatment and control of flystrike.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Trent Perry
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Neil D Young
- The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Junqueira ACM, Azeredo-Espin AML, Paulo DF, Marinho MAT, Tomsho LP, Drautz-Moses DI, Purbojati RW, Ratan A, Schuster SC. Large-scale mitogenomics enables insights into Schizophora (Diptera) radiation and population diversity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21762. [PMID: 26912394 PMCID: PMC4766414 DOI: 10.1038/srep21762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
True flies are insects of the order Diptera and encompass one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth. Within dipterans, Schizophora represents a recent radiation of insects that was used as a model to develop a pipeline for generating complete mitogenomes using various sequencing platforms and strategies. 91 mitogenomes from 32 different species were sequenced and assembled with high fidelity, using amplicon, whole genome shotgun or single molecule sequencing approaches. Based on the novel mitogenomes, we estimate the origin of Schizophora within the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary, about 68.3 Ma. Detailed analyses of the blowfly family (Calliphoridae) place its origin at 22 Ma, concomitant with the radiation of grazing mammals. The emergence of ectoparasitism within calliphorids was dated 6.95 Ma for the screwworm fly and 2.3 Ma for the Australian sheep blowfly. Varying population histories were observed for the blowfly Chrysomya megacephala and the housefly Musca domestica samples in our dataset. Whereas blowflies (n = 50) appear to have undergone selective sweeps and/or severe bottlenecks in the New World, houseflies (n = 14) display variation among populations from different zoogeographical zones and low levels of gene flow. The reported high-throughput mitogenomics approach for insects enables new insights into schizophoran diversity and population history of flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina M. Junqueira
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551
| | - Ana Maria L. Azeredo-Espin
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética and Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-875, Brazil
| | - Daniel F. Paulo
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética and Departamento de Genética, Evolução e Bioagentes, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-875, Brazil
| | - Marco Antonio T. Marinho
- Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Lynn P. Tomsho
- Center for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Daniela I. Drautz-Moses
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551
| | - Rikky W. Purbojati
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551
| | - Aakrosh Ratan
- Department of Public Health Sciences and Center for Public Health Genomics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Stephan C. Schuster
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551
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Zhang D, Yan L, Zhang M, Chu H, Cao J, Li K, Hu D, Pape T. Phylogenetic inference of calyptrates, with the first mitogenomes for Gasterophilinae (Diptera: Oestridae) and Paramacronychiinae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:489-504. [PMID: 27019632 PMCID: PMC4807417 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.12148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The complete mitogenome of the horse stomach bot fly Gasterophilus pecorum (Fabricius) and a near-complete mitogenome of Wohlfahrt's wound myiasis fly Wohlfahrtia magnifica (Schiner) were sequenced. The mitogenomes contain the typical 37 mitogenes found in metazoans, organized in the same order and orientation as in other cyclorrhaphan Diptera. Phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomes from 38 calyptrate taxa with and without two non-calyptrate outgroups were performed using Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood. Three sub-analyses were performed on the concatenated data: (1) not partitioned; (2) partitioned by gene; (3) 3rd codon positions of protein-coding genes omitted. We estimated the contribution of each of the mitochondrial genes for phylogenetic analysis, as well as the effect of some popular methodologies on calyptrate phylogeny reconstruction. In the favoured trees, the Oestroidea are nested within the muscoid grade. Relationships at the family level within Oestroidea are (remaining Calliphoridae (Sarcophagidae (Oestridae, Pollenia + Tachinidae))). Our mito-phylogenetic reconstruction of the Calyptratae presents the most extensive taxon coverage so far, and the risk of long-branch attraction is reduced by an appropriate selection of outgroups. We find that in the Calyptratae the ND2, ND5, ND1, COIII, and COI genes are more phylogenetically informative compared with other mitochondrial protein-coding genes. Our study provides evidence that data partitioning and the inclusion of conserved tRNA genes have little influence on calyptrate phylogeny reconstruction, and that the 3rd codon positions of protein-coding genes are not saturated and therefore should be included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- 1. School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Yan
- 1. School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- 1. School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Chu
- 3. Wildlife Conservation Office of Altay Prefecture, Altay, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jie Cao
- 4. Xinjiang Research Centre for Breeding Przewalski's Horse, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kai Li
- 1. School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Defu Hu
- 1. School of Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China
| | - Thomas Pape
- 2. Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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18
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Salem AM, Adham FK, Picard CJ. Survey of the Genetic Diversity of Forensically Important Chrysomya (Diptera: Calliphoridae) from Egypt. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:320-328. [PMID: 26334805 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Minimum postmortem interval estimations of a corpse using blow fly larvae in medicolegal investigations require correct identification and the application of appropriate developmental data of the identified fly species. Species identification of forensically relevant blow flies could be very difficult and time consuming when specimens are damaged or in the event of morphologically indistinguishable immature stages, which are most common at crime scenes. In response to this, an alternative, accurate determination of species may depend on sequencing and molecular techniques for identification. Chrysomyinae specimens (n = 158) belonging to three forensically important species [Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Chrysomya megacephala (F.), and Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann)] (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were collected from four locations in Egypt (Giza, Dayrout, Minya, and North Sinai) and sequenced across the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Phylogenetic analyses using neighbor-joining, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony methods resulted in the same topological structure and confirmed DNA based identification of all specimens. Interspecific divergence between pairs of species was 5.3% (C. marginalis-C. megacephala), 7% (C. albiceps-C. megacephala), and 8% (C. albiceps-C. marginalis). These divergences are sufficient to confirm the utility of cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene in the molecular identification of these flies in Egypt. Importantly, the maximum intraspecific divergence among individuals within a species was <1% and the least nucleotide divergence between species used for phylogenetic analysis was 3.6%. This study highlights the need for thorough and diverse sampling to capture all of the possible genetic diversity if DNA barcoding is to be used for molecular identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M Salem
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan Street, SL 306 Indianapolis, IN 46202. Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, P.O. Box 12613, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Fatma K Adham
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, P.O. Box 12613, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Christine J Picard
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), 723 W. Michigan Street, SL 306 Indianapolis, IN 46202
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Blenkiron C, Tsai P, Brown LA, Tintinger V, Askelund KJ, Windsor JA, Phillips AR. Characterisation of the small RNAs in the biomedically important green-bottle blowfly Lucilia sericata. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122203. [PMID: 25803701 PMCID: PMC4372549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The green bottle fly maggot, Lucilia sericata, is a species with importance in medicine, agriculture and forensics. Improved understanding of this species' biology is of great potential benefit to many research communities. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a short non-protein coding regulatory RNA, which directly regulate a host of protein coding genes at the translational level. They have been shown to have developmental and tissue specific distributions where they impact directly on gene regulation. In order to improve understanding of the biology of L. sericata maggots we have performed small RNA-sequencing of their secretions and tissue at different developmental stages. RESULTS We have successfully isolated RNA from the secretions of L. sericata maggots. Illumina small RNA-sequencing of these secretions and the three tissues (crop, salivary gland, gut) revealed that the most common small RNA fragments were derived from ribosomal RNA and transfer RNAs of both insect and bacterial origins. These RNA fragments were highly specific, with the most common tRNAs, such as GlyGCC, predominantly represented by reads derived from the 5' end of the mature maggot tRNA. Each library also had a unique profile of miRNAs with a high abundance of miR-10-5p in the maggot secretions and gut and miR-8 in the food storage organ the crop and salivary glands. The pattern of small RNAs in the bioactive maggot secretions suggests they originate from a combination of saliva, foregut and hindgut tissues. Droplet digital RT-PCR validation of the RNA-sequencing data shows that not only are there differences in the tissue profiles for miRNAs and small RNA fragments but that these are also modulated through developmental stages of the insect. CONCLUSIONS We have identified the small-RNAome of the medicinal maggots L. sericata and shown that there are distinct subsets of miRNAs expressed in specific tissues that also alter during the development of the insect. Furthermore there are very specific RNA fragments derived from other non-coding RNAs present in tissues and in the secretions. This new knowledge has applicability in diverse research fields including wound healing, agriculture and forensics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherie Blenkiron
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- * E-mail:
| | - Peter Tsai
- Bioinformatics Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lisa A. Brown
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Vernon Tintinger
- Department of Anthropology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kathryn J. Askelund
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - John A. Windsor
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony R. Phillips
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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20
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Nelson LA, Lambkin CL, Batterham P, Wallman JF, Dowton M, Whiting MF, Yeates DK, Cameron SL. Beyond barcoding: a mitochondrial genomics approach to molecular phylogenetics and diagnostics of blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Gene 2012; 511:131-42. [PMID: 23043935 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2012.09.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Members of the Calliphoridae (blowflies) are significant for medical and veterinary management, due to the ability of some species to consume living flesh as larvae, and for forensic investigations due to the ability of others to develop in corpses. Due to the difficulty of accurately identifying larval blowflies to species there is a need for DNA-based diagnostics for this family, however the widely used DNA-barcoding marker, cox1, has been shown to fail for several groups within this family. Additionally, many phylogenetic relationships within the Calliphoridae are still unresolved, particularly deeper level relationships. Sequencing whole mt genomes has been demonstrated both as an effective method for identifying the most informative diagnostic markers and for resolving phylogenetic relationships. Twenty-seven complete, or nearly so, mt genomes were sequenced representing 13 species, seven genera and four calliphorid subfamilies and a member of the related family Tachinidae. PCR and sequencing primers developed for sequencing one calliphorid species could be reused to sequence related species within the same superfamily with success rates ranging from 61% to 100%, demonstrating the speed and efficiency with which an mt genome dataset can be assembled. Comparison of molecular divergences for each of the 13 protein-coding genes and 2 ribosomal RNA genes, at a range of taxonomic scales identified novel targets for developing as diagnostic markers which were 117-200% more variable than the markers which have been used previously in calliphorids. Phylogenetic analysis of whole mt genome sequences resulted in much stronger support for family and subfamily-level relationships. The Calliphoridae are polyphyletic, with the Polleninae more closely related to the Tachinidae, and the Sarcophagidae are the sister group of the remaining calliphorids. Within the Calliphoridae, there was strong support for the monophyly of the Chrysomyinae and Luciliinae and for the sister-grouping of Luciliinae with Calliphorinae. Relationships within Chrysomya were not well resolved. Whole mt genome data, supported the previously demonstrated paraphyly of Lucilia cuprina with respect to L. sericata and allowed us to conclude that it is due to hybrid introgression prior to the last common ancestor of modern sericata populations, rather than due to recent hybridisation, nuclear pseudogenes or incomplete lineage sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Nelson
- Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
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21
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The molecular systematics of blowflies and screwworm flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) using 28S rRNA, COX1 and EF-1α: insights into the evolution of dipteran parasitism. Parasitology 2011; 138:1760-77. [PMID: 21867590 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182011001089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The Calliphoridae include some of the most economically significant myiasis-causing flies in the world - blowflies and screwworm flies - with many being notorious for their parasitism of livestock. However, despite more than 50 years of research, key taxonomic relationships within the family remain unresolved. This study utilizes nucleotide sequence data from the protein-coding genes COX1 (mitochondrial) and EF1α (nuclear), and the 28S rRNA (nuclear) gene, from 57 blowfly taxa to improve resolution of key evolutionary relationships within the family Calliphoridae. Bayesian phylogenetic inference was carried out for each single-gene data set, demonstrating significant topological difference between the three gene trees. Nevertheless, all gene trees supported a Calliphorinae-Luciliinae subfamily sister-lineage, with respect to Chrysomyinae. In addition, this study also elucidates the taxonomic and evolutionary status of several less well-studied groups, including the genus Bengalia (either within Calliphoridae or as a separate sister-family), genus Onesia (as a sister-genera to, or sub-genera within, Calliphora), genus Dyscritomyia and Lucilia bufonivora, a specialised parasite of frogs and toads. The occurrence of cross-species hybridisation within Calliphoridae is also further explored, focusing on the two economically significant species Lucilia cuprina and Lucilia sericata. In summary, this study represents the most comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of family Calliphoridae undertaken to date.
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Lee SF, Chen Z, McGrath A, Good RT, Batterham P. Identification, analysis, and linkage mapping of expressed sequence tags from the Australian sheep blowfly. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:406. [PMID: 21827708 PMCID: PMC3176259 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a destructive pest of the sheep, a model organism for insecticide resistance research, and a valuable tool for medical and forensic professionals. However, genomic information on L. cuprina is still sparse. Results We report here the construction of an embryonic and 2 larval cDNA libraries for L. cuprina. A total of 29,816 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained and assembled into 7,464 unique clusters. The sequence collection captures a great diversity of genes, including those related to insecticide resistance (e.g., 12 cytochrome P450s, 2 glutathione S transferases, and 6 esterases). Compared to Drosophila melanogaster, codon preference is different in 13 of the 18 amino acids encoded by redundant codons, reflecting the lower overall GC content in L. cuprina. In addition, we demonstrated that the ESTs could be converted into informative gene markers by capitalizing on the known gene structures in the model organism D. melanogaster. We successfully assigned 41 genes to their respective chromosomes in L. cuprina. The relative locations of these loci revealed high but incomplete chromosomal synteny between L. cuprina and D. melanogaster. Conclusions Our results represent the first major transcriptomic undertaking in L. cuprina. These new genetic resources could be useful for the blowfly and insect research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siu F Lee
- Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research, Bio21 Institute, Genetics Department, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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The mitochondrial genome of the ascalaphid owlfly Libelloides macaronius and comparative evolutionary mitochondriomics of neuropterid insects. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:221. [PMID: 21569260 PMCID: PMC3115881 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The insect order Neuroptera encompasses more than 5,700 described species. To date, only three neuropteran mitochondrial genomes have been fully and one partly sequenced. Current knowledge on neuropteran mitochondrial genomes is limited, and new data are strongly required. In the present work, the mitochondrial genome of the ascalaphid owlfly Libelloides macaronius is described and compared with the known neuropterid mitochondrial genomes: Megaloptera, Neuroptera and Raphidioptera. These analyses are further extended to other endopterygotan orders. Results The mitochondrial genome of L. macaronius is a circular molecule 15,890 bp long. It includes the entire set of 37 genes usually present in animal mitochondrial genomes. The gene order of this newly sequenced genome is unique among Neuroptera and differs from the ancestral type of insects in the translocation of trnC. The L. macaronius genome shows the lowest A+T content (74.50%) among known neuropterid genomes. Protein-coding genes possess the typical mitochondrial start codons, except for cox1, which has an unusual ACG. Comparisons among endopterygotan mitochondrial genomes showed that A+T content and AT/GC-skews exhibit a broad range of variation among 84 analyzed taxa. Comparative analyses showed that neuropterid mitochondrial protein-coding genes experienced complex evolutionary histories, involving features ranging from codon usage to rate of substitution, that make them potential markers for population genetics/phylogenetics studies at different taxonomic ranks. The 22 tRNAs show variable substitution patterns in Neuropterida, with higher sequence conservation in genes located on the α strand. Inferred secondary structures for neuropterid rrnS and rrnL genes largely agree with those known for other insects. For the first time, a model is provided for domain I of an insect rrnL. The control region in Neuropterida, as in other insects, is fast-evolving genomic region, characterized by AT-rich motifs. Conclusions The new genome shares many features with known neuropteran genomes but differs in its low A+T content. Comparative analysis of neuropterid mitochondrial genes showed that they experienced distinct evolutionary patterns. Both tRNA families and ribosomal RNAs show composite substitution pathways. The neuropterid mitochondrial genome is characterized by a complex evolutionary history.
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Analysis of a mitochondrial noncoding region for the identification of the most diffused Hypoderma species (Diptera, Oestridae). Vet Parasitol 2010; 173:317-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Weigl S, Testini G, Parisi A, Dantas-Torres F, Traversa D, Colwell DD, Otranto D. The mitochondrial genome of the common cattle grub, Hypoderma lineatum. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2010; 24:329-335. [PMID: 20497317 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2010.00873.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The mitochondrial DNA of the cattle grub Hypoderma lineatum (de Villers) (Diptera: Oestridae) was completely sequenced. The entire molecule was 16,354 bp long and presented a heavy bias towards A + T, which accounted for 77.8% of the whole genome. Hypoderma lineatum genes were organized in the same order and orientation as in the mitochondrial genomes available for other species belonging to the Oestroidea superfamily and compared in this study [Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), Lucilia sericata (Meigen) and Dermatobia hominis (L.)], except for the occurrence of a 102-bp non-coding region partially present in other species. The complete sequence of H. lineatum will represent a useful dataset to evaluate the evolutionary pattern of mtDNA within Oestroidea by using molecular information in diagnostic, taxonomic and evolutionary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Weigl
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Zootecnia, Università degli Studi di Bari, Valenzano, Bari, Italy
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26
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The complete mitochondrial genome of the leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:687-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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McMahon DP, Hayward A, Kathirithamby J. The mitochondrial genome of the 'twisted-wing parasite' Mengenilla australiensis (Insecta, Strepsiptera): a comparative study. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:603. [PMID: 20003419 PMCID: PMC2800125 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Strepsiptera are an unusual group of sexually dimorphic, entomophagous parasitoids whose evolutionary origins remain elusive. The lineage leading to Mengenilla australiensis (Family Mengenillidae) is the sister group to all remaining extant strepsipterans. It is unique in that members of this family have retained a less derived condition, where females are free-living from pupation onwards, and are structurally much less simplified. We sequenced almost the entire mitochondrial genome of M. australiensis as an important comparative data point to the already available genome of its distant relative Xenos vesparum (Family Xenidae). This study represents the first in-depth comparative mitochondrial genomic analysis of Strepsiptera. RESULTS The partial genome of M. australiensis is presented as a 13421 bp fragment, across which all 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 18 transfer RNA (tRNA) sequences are identified. Two tRNA translocations disrupt an otherwise ancestral insect mitochondrial genome order. A+T content is measured at 84.3%, C-content is also very skewed. Compared with M. australiensis, codon bias in X. vesparum is more balanced. Interestingly, the size of the protein coding genome is truncated in both strepsipterans, especially in X. vesparum which, uniquely, has 4.3% fewer amino acids than the average holometabolan complement. A revised assessment of mitochondrial rRNA secondary structure based on comparative structural considerations is presented for M. australiensis and X. vesparum. CONCLUSIONS The mitochondrial genome of X. vesparum has undergone a series of alterations which are probably related to an extremely derived lifestyle. Although M. australiensis shares some of these attributes; it has retained greater signal from the hypothetical most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of Strepsiptera, inviting the possibility that a shift in the mitochondrial selective environment might be related to the specialization accompanying the evolution of a small, morphologically simplified completely host-dependent lifestyle. These results provide useful insights into the nature of the evolutionary transitions that accompanied the emergence of Strepsiptera, but we emphasize the need for adequate sampling across the order in future investigations concerning the extraordinary developmental and evolutionary origins of this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dino P McMahon
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Alexander Hayward
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
| | - Jeyaraney Kathirithamby
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, The Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK
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28
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A review of mulesing and other methods to control flystrike (cutaneous myiasis) in sheep. Anim Welf 2009. [DOI: 10.1017/s0962728600000257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AbstractFlystrike (cutaneous myiasis) in sheep has the potential to have a major impact on the welfare of significant numbers of sheep worldwide, but particularly in Australia. The main control method used in Australia, the mulesing operation to remove folds of skin from the hindquarters of the sheep, is effective in controlling the disease, but will be terminated from 2010 as a result of concerns that the operation itself has too great a negative impact on sheep welfare. Alternative treatment methods are considered, and it is proposed that they need to be appraised for each farm separately, based on the conditions prevailing and the potential to apply the different treatments. Sheep are predisposed to flystrike if their fleece is wet or contaminated with faeces or urine. Monitoring and awareness of the weather conditions will enable farmers to strategically treat their sheep with insecticides, or to observe them and treat affected animals more regularly. Frequent removal of wool by crutching, dagging and shearing will aid wool desiccation after rainfall and decrease the likelihood of fleece contamination with excreta. Some control of diarrhoea can be achieved by good grazing management and treatment of diseases that predispose sheep to the disorder. Reducing fly populations can be achieved by the use of traps, and parasitoid wasps also offer some promise. Alternative methods of removing wool and wrinkles from the hindquarters of sheep, including the topical application of quarternary ammonium compounds, phenols, caustic soda or plastic clips, have yet to be proven to be effective, without severely impacting on the welfare of the animal as well as compromising operator safety. In the long term, the breeding of sheep without wrinkles or wool on their hindquarters offers the most likely method of control, although a small proportion of sheep are affected on other parts of their body.
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Desmyter S, Gosselin M. COI sequence variability between Chrysomyinae of forensic interest. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2009; 3:89-95. [PMID: 19215877 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Revised: 10/27/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
About 50 Chrysomyinae specimens belonging to three forensic relevant species (Chrysomia albiceps, Phormia regina and Protophormia terraenovae) were collected from different geographical locations in Belgium over the last 5 yr. A 304-bp fragment of their mitochondrial COI gene is sequenced. The monophyletic branches of the phylogenetic tree reveal that this marker is suitable for discrimination between these species. The intra versus interspecific variability marks clear threshold levels for DNA barcoding. Nineteen Chrysomyinae specimens, collected from four locations in France, show mitotypes that are identical or at least very similar to the Belgian mitotypes. Considering additional specimens from outside of Europe reveals no intraspecific geographical variation within C. albiceps and P. terraenovae, whereas P. regina is subbranched in a Belgian-French and a USA-Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Desmyter
- National Institute for Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium.
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