Gene sequence variations and expression patterns of mitochondrial genes are associated with the adaptive evolution of two Gynaephora species (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae) living in different high-elevation environments.

Mitochondrial phylogeny, divergence history and high-altitude adaptation of grassland caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Lymantriinae: Gynaephora) inhabiting the Tibetan Plateau.

Mitochondrial genetics and obesity: evolutionary adaptation and contemporary disease susceptibility

The incidence of common, metabolic diseases (e.g. obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes) with complex genetic etiology has been steadily increasing nationally and globally. While identification of a genetic model that explains susceptibility and risk for these diseases has been pursued over several decades, no clear paradigm has yet been found to disentangle the genetic basis of polygenic/complex disease development. Since the evolution of the eukaryotic cell involved a symbiotic interaction between the antecedents of the mitochondrion and nucleus (which itself is a genetic hybrid), we suggest that this history provides a rational basis for investigating whether genetic interaction and co-evolution of these genomes still exists. We propose that both mitochondrial and Mendelian, or "mito-Mendelian" genetics play a significant role in cell function, and thus disease risk. This paradigm contemplates the natural variation and co-evolution of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA backgrounds on multiple mitochondrial functions that are discussed herein, including energy production, cell signaling and immune response, which collectively can influence disease development. At the nexus of these processes is the economy of mitochondrial metabolism, programmed by both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.

An evolutionary, or "Mitocentric" perspective on cellular function and disease.

Adaptive evolutions to high-altitude adaptation have been intensively studied in mammals. However, considering the additional vertebrate groups, new perception regarding selection challenged by high-altitude stress on mitochondrial genome can be gained. To test this hypothesis, we compiled and analyzed the mitochondrial genomes of 5 alpine pheasants and 12 low-altitude species in Phasianidae. The results that evolutionary rates of ATP6 and ND6 showing significant fluctuation among branches when involved with five alpine pheasants revealed both genes might have implications with adapting to highland environment. The radical physico-chemical property changes identified by the modified MM01 model, including composition (C) and equilibrium constant (ionization of COOH) (Pk′) in ATP6 and beta-structure tendencies (Pβ), Pk′, and long-range non-bonded energy (El) in ND6, suggested that minor overall adjustments in size, protein conformation and relative orientation of reaction interfaces have been optimi...

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Zhigang Li

Papers

Mitogenomic analysis of the genus Pseudois: evidence of adaptive evolution of morphological variation in the ATP synthase genes.