Group II intron and repeat-rich red algal mitochondrial genomes demonstrate the dynamic recent history of autocatalytic RNAs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Group II introns are mobile genetic elements that can insert at specific target sequences, however, their origins are often challenging to reconstruct because of rapid sequence decay following invasion and spread into different sites. To advance understanding of group II intron spread, we studied the intron-rich mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) in the unicellular red alga, Porphyridium.

Results

Analysis of mitogenomes in three closely related species in this genus revealed they were 3-6-fold larger in size (56-132 kbp) than in other red algae, that have genomes of size 21-43 kbp. This discrepancy is explained by two factors, group II intron invasion and expansion of repeated sequences in large intergenic regions. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that many mitog

SUBMITTER: Kim D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8742464 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature